DAVENPORT, Iowa - Hundreds showed up at Le Claire Park in Davenport for the "Stepping Out to Fight Diabetes" walk. Adults, children and dogs walked the 3.2 miles on this crisp, cold day to raise money for the Quad Cities American Diabetes Association. "It's just been remarkable," said ADA's Cindy Ramos-Parmley about today's turn out. "It warms your heart. You forget about the cold completely, it completely leaves your mind and say 'wow, they're here to support each other'."
Rock Island's Hill and Valley Premium Bakery, that makes sugar-free and no sugar added snacks and desserts, has become the Association's National Sponsor. "1.5 million folks walk into the doctor's office and they say they can't have sweets, but here's an alternative to you," said Hill and Valley CEO's Scott Florence.
It took about an hour to complete the walk but participants were happy to be part of helping to find a cure. "I have numerous patients suffering from diabetes that I work with on a day-to-day basis. So, this is very important to me," says Registered Dietician and walker Caitlan O'Rourke.
The Iowa ADA estimates 35,000 Quad Citians have diabetes. Nationally, 24 million people suffer from one of the fastest growing diseases.
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