Taking Strides to Stop Diabetes

Taking Strides to Stop Diabetes - Christine Schaeberle

This fall, streets will be filled with thousands of people in red rallying to stop diabetes.

And Christine Schaeberle is inviting you to rally along.

Christine is one of a growing number of Red Striders; Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes participants who have diabetes and exhibit the courage it takes to thrive with the disease.

Red Badge of Courage
Red Striders are distinguished at Step Out events with a special red hat. "On walk day, it is very important to recognize all the people with diabetes," said Christine. "By wearing red, we are able to see who we are walking for."

Christine had a role in launching the recognition program in Colorado last fall. This year, it’s going national.

Eye-Opening Experience
"The Red Strider program opened our eyes to how many people have diabetes. It also made us realize how important it is for us to recognize them and how we need to raise money to cure this disease," said Christine.

"On walk day, I felt particularly supported as I was able to recognize other people with diabetes. All the walkers encouraged us Red Striders to keep fighting this challenging disease."

'My Life Changed Drastically'
Christine was diagnosed with diabetes 6 years ago. "My life changed drastically when I was diagnosed," she said. "First and foremost I had to learn and understand diabetes but also learn and understand how nutrition, exercise and stress have an effect on managing this disease."

Christine has been involved with the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out since 2004. Her enthusiasm only has grown for the event with the advent of the Red Strider Program.

"If you have diabetes, please become a Red Strider!" she exclaims. "We walk for you and raise money for you! Let us recognize you, encourage you and support you as you go through the day to day challenges of this disease."

For more information or to register, visit Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes.

 

first posted July 9, 2009