DENVER-- This year, more than 1,500 area residents will come together at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver to raise funds for Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes , the one-day signature fundraising walk benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Every dollar raised through Step Out plays an important role in supporting the Association's mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

"Diabetes is a devastating disease that touches us all," said Kathryn Albright, the Chair of Denver's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes. "This is such a wonderful event for friends, families and co-workers to come together and help raise money for a good cause. The camaraderie and spirit that is enjoyed by participating in this event is priceless."

Today, there are nearly 24 million Americans-including more than 313,000 in Colorado - who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.7 million people are unaware that they have the disease. If present trends continue, one in three Americans and 1 in 2 minorities born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

Last year the Denver Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes raised $249,000 to fund the mission of the American Diabetes Association and is hoping to increase that amount to $270,000 this year. To date, the American Diabetes Association has raised and donated more than $450 million for diabetes research.

"Our walk is also a fun run that follows the Cherry Creek and Platte River trails for a 5K loop," said Albright, "so if you feel like running, bring your running shoes!"

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is an event for the whole family or for anyone who enjoys the feeling of being part of a community. It's an event for those who want to join the Association's family and help stop to diabetes. Local sponsors of the event include Jason's Deli, Van Gilder Insurance Corporation and the Downtown Aquarium. Be a part of the cure and start raising money today! To register, volunteer or find out more information, please visit diabetes.org/stepout or call 1-888-DIABETES. Together we can stop diabetes. One step at a time.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

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