Family And Friends Walk For Diabetes This Sunday
CHICAGO (CBS) -- This Sunday, those touched by diabetes will be stepping out for a walk that starts at Didier Farms in Buffalo Grove.
CBS 2's Ed Curran caught up with two walkers who take part every year.
A Type 2 diabetic for 20 years, Mary Kurtz finally had to make big changes.
"Eating was the biggest change. Exercising," Kurtz says.
It was the ADA "Step Out" at Didier Farms in Buffalo Grove that really warmed her up to walking. This will be her third year in a row. She'll be walking with her daughter, grandchildren and friends.
"So I just kept walking, hopefully keep losing weight and getting better," Kurtz says. "It's a good feeling, especially knowing that I'm doing it for me, because it's helping my own body, and then I'm helping others, too."
Also walking is an outspoken leader in the fight against diabetes who is just 12 years old.
Young Jarad Kuper has made it his mission to educate people about diabetes. Diagnosed just over three years ago, he didn't even know he had the disease until he ended up in a diabetic coma.
His web site shows him with senators in D.C. He spoke at Northwestern about stem cell research. He talks to schools and has his own wristbands.
"My big motto, on every single one of my wristbands I've made, it's 'Believe, educate, inspire,'" Jarad says.
A Type 1 diabetic, Jarad checks his sugar level up to 15 times a day. His glucose meter wirelessly connects to his insulin pump. Everyone in the family is in touch with Jarad's condition. His parents even check his blood sugar level once or twice while he's sleeping.
"My sisters, if I need help, if I'm alone, they can help me. They know how to test my blood sugar. They know how to use my pump, and my friends do," Jarad says.
Friends and family will walk again this Sunday for a cure.
CBS 2 is participating in the Stop Diabetes Step Out Walk this Sunday at Didier Farms in Buffalo Grove.
To find out how to join the team, click here.
