A Symbol of Hope at Etienne Brule Park
TORONTO, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF), the only Canadian charity providing direct support to youth with diabetes and their families, will be hosting the fourth annual Diabetes Walk for Hope walkathon in Etienne Brule Park on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Each year the event draws hundreds of walkers from the foundation's considerable alumni, community partners, local and regional pediatric clinics, as well as family, friends and the general public. The walk raises funds to support DHF's programs and services in the community, and promotes DHF's vision of creating a life without limits for children living with diabetes.
The walk will begin at 10:00 am, with opening speeches from mayoral candidate George Smitherman and champion kart racer Chase Pelletier. Special celebrity guests joining the walk include reality TV stars from the Bachelorette, Jessie Sulidis and Craig McKinnon.
Publicly known as a tireless advocate for youth living with diabetes and one of this year's Diabetes Hope Foundation's scholarship award winners, 17 year old Tanya Aelick will also be there to inspire hope and walk for the cause. "This scholarship will help me continue on to post secondary education and achieve my dream of becoming a Native Studies teacher and a leader within the First Nations community." Tanya intends to pay it forward by walking with the others to raise money for next year's scholarship award winners.
Diabetes Hope Foundation's unique focus is on reaching out directly to these youth and their families today and giving them hope for a healthier tomorrow. Money raised from the walk will continue to support the foundation's scholarship, Kids in Transition program, and Medical Assistance program, and camps for children and youth with diabetes, programs aimed at high risk youth living with diabetes. Last year the event helped to raise over $65,000. This year the fundraising goal is $100,000.
Karen Higginson, a single mother of five children, 3 of whom were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, explains why she'll be participating, "I want to show my support and thank Diabetes Hope Foundation for giving my family financial relief and emotional support. I am walking with my family and friends to celebrate my daughter's life, and to join others who believe in DHF's efforts to help young people with the challenges of diabetes."
"Together we can help all of our children remain healthy and live longer, fuller and more fulfilled lives," says Barbara Pasternak, Chair and Founder of Diabetes Hope Foundation. "Every year we've not only been able to meet our fundraising objectives, but the annual walk also looks forward to increased participation from the community, corporate and individual supporters, children with diabetes and their families and friends. With the help of our donors, special celebrity guests, volunteers and post-event entertainment, we hope to help change lives today for a healthier tomorrow."
With the support of the foundation's board, staff, volunteers, alumni, donors and corporate sponsors, this year's Diabetes Walk for Hope will help children and young people living with diabetes thrive in school, in sports, in their communities while managing the challenges of this chronic disease.
Interested participants can visit www.diabeteshopefoundation.com for free registration from now until September 22 at 10:00 am. Participants will receive a Walk T-shirt and Gift bag upon raising a minimum of $50. Registration will also be available at the walk at 9:30 am for a registration fee of $25. This fee includes a Walk T-shirt and a Gift bag. Sponsorships and advertising options are also available to businesses interested in getting involved.
About Diabetes Hope Foundation
Diabetes Hope Foundation was created in 1999 by the current Chair, Barbara Pasternak, who has three children, two of whom live with type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. As her boys grew and made their way through the medical system, Barbara became acutely aware of gaps in the health care system for youth with diabetes.
Diabetes Hope Foundation was created to fill that gap and help families struggling with the financial and emotional challenges of children living with diabetes. We believe that by focusing on these youth today, we can create healthier and more productive adults tomorrow. DHF is still the only Canadian charity providing direct support to youth with diabetes and their families.
For further information:
Barbara Pasternak
905-670-0557 x 231
[email protected]
Media Contact:
Alda Lo
647-234-2532
[email protected]
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