CULLMAN – This Saturday, November 15, the Cullman Community Lions Club is hosting the 3rd Annual Strides Walk at Heritage Park. The walk begins at 10 a.m., however, registration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Laurita Hogland, member of the Cullman Community Lions Club and chairperson for the event, is very passionate about the Strides Walk. The Cullman Community Lions Club is focused on raising awareness for diabetes, and Hogland has a special connection with the epidemic issue; her grandson is afflicted by it.
Hogland has taken the helm as chairperson for the Strides Walk, which is actually an event that will take place nationwide on Saturday – as November is National Diabetes Awareness month – and is looking to grow and expand the event in the community.
“Our goal isn’t so much to raise money,” Hogland explained, “but instead to raise awareness about diabetes. To get the word out, you know.”
Although the goal isn’t to raise money, Hogland said it is her plan to shift the event into more of a money generating event, with all the donations and funds being given to research for diabetes.
“People need to know the seriousness of diabetes,” Hogland said. “You can’t take a break from it. And although the new research that was just released is very promising, there is still no cure.”
While the event is focused on juvenile diabetes, Hogland made it clear that the event is intended to bring attention to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, saying “the person who led the walk last year has Type 2 diabetes.”
Participants will receive a t-shirt with each $25 donation. Furthermore, last year’s participation was only about 100 people, and this year, more people than even participated in last year’s event are registered, according to Hogland. The walk itself will be 1 mile, and there is also a half-mile course for those that are unable to walk the 1-mile route.
