With 29 million people living with diabetes, the disease is currently outpacing heart disease and cancer.  Knowing that one person can made a difference in that statistic, Joyce Hickman decided to give others the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the cause, organizing the first annual West Virginia Walk for Diabetic Wellness.

 

Hickman’s employer, Ron Webster, encouraged each of his staff to come up with a community service project that their agency, Webster Insurance, could get involved with.  Hickman, her sister, her daughter and her granddaughter all have diabetes, making her choice a no-brainer.

 

“I was surprised that there were no walks organized in West Virginia to raise funds for a disease that affects so many on both the state and national level,” she said.  “My sister and I both work for Webster Insurance and when Ron encouraged us to start a wellness program, we jumped at the chance to make a lifestyle change.”

 

That lifestyle change led the sisters to lose weight, get more active, and ultimately get off of all medications for their diabetes. 

“I wanted to be a good example for my granddaughter and teach her how to make good nutritional choices,” she said.

 

The West Virginia Walk for Diabetic Wellness will be held at the Bridgeport Recreational Complex on September 30, with the first 50 walkers receiving a free t-shirt.  All ages are welcome and will receive participation certificates.  Participants are asked to seek donations for the cause and turn them in the day of the event.   The registration will begin at 8:00a.m. and the walk will take place from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

 

In addition to raising awareness and funds, several vendors will be onsite to offer free services pertaining to diabetes.

 

“InStep Dance will be on site to instruct Zumba, a nutritionist will be there to educate people about nutrition and portion control, and the Lions Club will offer eye exams and diabetic testing.  The UHC Diabetes Support Group will also provide information and answer questions about the disease,” said Hickman. 

 

The national American Diabetes Association hopes to raise $20,000 through walks around the country with funds contributing to research, education and cures.  Every year, 12,000 West Virginians are diagnosed with the disease and an estimated 518,000 more who have pre-diabetes.  Hickman is using her voice to start a movement that can decrease those numbers significantly.

 

Additional information about the walk is available by contacting Hickman at jdhwebsterinsurance@gmail.com.