Psychology

Those suffering or knowing someone suffering from diabetes know how important the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is in raising money to help with the research of diabetes, in hopes to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes.

Kelly Frank, manager for ADA, has been diligently working to prepare for the upcoming annual Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, on October 8th, 2012 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and on October 9th, 2011 in Smithfield, Virginia.

“ADA in Northeastern North Carolina area up through Williamsburg raises about $1.5 million annually, primarily through 4 staff driven fundraisers; the Tour de Cure, Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, Gala, and our annual Golf Tournament “ Frank said.

“The Step Out Walk is one of our largest fundraisers with over 1200 walkers in Virginia Beach and over 400 walkers in Smithfield” Frank said.

“Our largest fundraiser is the Tour de Cure; which brings in about $350,000,” Frank said. “Between the two Step Out walks in Virginia alone, we raise over $250,000 for the fight against diabetes” Frank added.

“It’s a years worth of work all for two days. Even the slightest complication, such as rain, can have a negative impact on the walk and even future walks,” Frank said. “The day after the walk, the planning starts all over again, there’s never a day of rest.”

Over the years the Step Out Walk as become more and more popular with new participants each year Frank states. “Even with the economy the way it is, fortunately; we are still seeing a slight increase in our participants and contributions”

Online websites and various companies in Hampton Roads, such as; Walgreens and Subway have aided in fundraising for the ADA. “Facebook has been a big help for advertising” Frank said. “It gives the participants a quick an easy way to ask for donations rather than sending out emails that are rarely ever read”

“The majority of our volunteers are the family and friends of the participants.” Frank said. “Several of our local troops come...