Running Down Diabetes to
Raise Funds for Better Health/
Cape Fear Valley Foundation
by STEPHANIE CRIDER
For years, anyone who wanted
programs for diabetes, classes and
to join a walk or a run to support
the medical closet. It is mainly for
diabetes research had to leave
education and emergency needs
Fayetteville to show their support.
of patients."
Margi Shah, president of the
In the United States, there are
board of directors of Better Health,
25.8 million people, children
along with other board members
and adults, who have diabetes
decided to change that. After all,
according to the American Diabetes
Better Health has been working
Association. This is just the number
to meet the
of people who
healthcare needs
have the disease,
of Cumberland
it affects
County residents
many more
since 1958, and
through their
a big part of the
relationships
organization's
with those
efforts supports
affected by the
diabetes
disease.
education. It just
Better Health
seemed silly for
is a Cumberland
people to leave
County-based
town when the
nonprofit that
local community
has been active
could use the
in the area since
same support
1958. This is a
and funds
volunteer based
Better Health and Cape Fear Valley foundation organization
right here in
are teaming up to host the Red Apple Run/
Cumberland
that aims to
Walk for Diabetes on Nov. 16
County. On
"provide for
Nov. 16, Better
the unmet
Health and Cape
healthcare
Fear Valley Health Foundation are
needs of Cumberland County
set to host the Red Apple Run for
residents through assistance,
Diabetes 5K Run/Walk.
referral, and education."
Participants are welcome to either
The organization opens its
walk or run and there will also be
doors to the community with
a 1-mile fun run. The run goes
opportunities such as the diabetes
through an especially scenic route
monitoring clinic's walk-in and
that will pass by the Museum of
exercise classes catering to people
the Cape Fear, where there will be
with diabetes; and these have been
water stations. The event also goes
met with great success.
by Arsenal Park. There will be a lot
"You have to learn how to count
more to this event than just walking carbs, stress management and
and running, however. Ricardo
exercise," explained Shah.
Morgan, a board member, will sing
The Red Apple Run for Diabetes
the National Anthem and a DJ will
starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants
get the crowd excited.
should meet at the Medical Arts
Shah has a very personal
Center located at 101 Robeson St.
connection to diabetes. She lost her Registration the day of the event
mother to the disease, so this 5K
will begin at 7:30 a.m. Angie Toman
holds special meaning to her. This
will also lead a stretching session
run is even more exciting because it from 8:10 to 8:20 a.m. for all who
is the very first run for diabetes in
wish to participate. Register online
Cumberland County.
at www.Active.com.
"We saw this as an opportunity
For more information or to
to keep it local and make it easy for
register for the event and pay by
our residents to support a cause
check visit www.
they believe in," said Shah. "The
betterhealthcc.org.
money will be divided between
the Cape Fear Valley Health
STEPHANIE CRIDER, EDITOR.
Foundation and Better Health.
COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomThe funds will go to educational ingweekly.com.
8
NOVEMBER 6-12, 2013
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
