Kristen Capps, seen here with her two sons, is the founder of Active 4 Diabetes, a nonprofit group supporting those with diabetes and their families. The group will be hosting Walk It Out for Diabetes on March 18 through 20 at Liberty High School.
Photo courtesy of Kristen Capps
Photo courtesy of Kristen Capps
“This was a major change for our family, and devastating for our son,” said Capps, a Discovery Bay resident. “As my husband and I found ourselves seeking out as much information as we could about diabetes, we realized that the resources were scarce in our community.”
So in 2009 Capps founded Active 4 Diabetes, a support group for insulin-dependent diabetics and their families. Promoting physical fitness, nutritional education and general support for diabetics of all ages, the nonprofit organization is devoted to helping those suffering from the disease live longer, healthier lives.
On March 20, Active 4 Diabetes will host the Walk It Out for Diabetes fundraiser on the Liberty High School track from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Money raised from the event will go toward a fitness and family day this summer, where coaches and fitness instructors will work with diabetics on things they can do for a healthy lifestyle, as well as educate schools on how to deal with emergency diabetic situations,” said Capps.
Local sponsors including Brentwood’s First Five and the John Muir Outpatient Clinic will be on hand to help support a healthier lifestyle for all individuals. Area businesses and vendors have pledged their support for the second annual event, and drinks and food will be available.
Diabetes is an auto-immune disease that affects people whose bodies produce little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that breaks down sugars in the body and moves those sugars – or glucose – through the bloodstream to the cells. If the body doesn’t properly produce insulin, the glucose stays in the bloodstream, creating high blood sugar levels that can damage the kidneys, liver, eyes, legs and other organs.
Understanding diabetes and its long-term effects is critical, said Capps, and one of the primary reasons for the nonprofit’s Walk It Out for Diabetes event.
“Getting community support (for diabetes) and community awareness is key,” said Capps. “A lot of people don’t necessarily understand diabetes, and nutrition is a big deal in controlling the disease. We’re hoping this event will help shed some light on diabetes and will bring the community out for a great cause. We’re looking forward to it.”
For more information on the Walk It Out for Diabetes event, call 925-516-2030 or visit www.active4diabetes.com.
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