The American Diabetes Association is an organization that fights to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of those suffering from this disease through education, research, and awareness. CCAH was proud to have the opportunity to support this mission outside of the workplace by once again participating in the annual 2019 Step Out: DC Walk, the local American Diabetes Association Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes event.
CCAH arrived bright and early at the Washington Monument on September 21, where we were met with ADA tents covering the Washington Monument grounds and a stage set up with fun music and warm ups to kick off the morning and get our blood pumping. After we all received our Racing Bibs in preparation of the walk to come, we headed over to the breakfast tent, where we were treated to oranges, bananas, and bagels as some pre-walk fuel. We heard from inspiring speakers including Tracey Brown, the CEO of the ADA, who spoke about her own experience with diabetes. We saw some of our friends at the American Diabetes Association and snapped a quick group photo before the MC announced it was officially time to begin.
At 9:30 on the dot, the walk began. It was incredibly inspiring to see so many people gathered together for a common mission. With supportive volunteers pointing the way, we walked the distance from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and back around the Reflecting Pool. The walk gave our team the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and make new ones, as everyone showcased their support for this important cause. Those walking with diabetes, given the special designation of “Red Striders,” and those walking in support joined together over 600 strong in a clear depiction of what the American Diabetes Association stands for: that we are all joined together in this fight, Connected for Life.
The 2019 Step Out: DC Walk raised over $220,000 to support the ADA’s work providing life-saving research. CCAH values the opportunity to stand with our community in support of important organizations like the American Diabetes Association, and we are always excited for opportunities to spread awareness for such an important issue—especially when it means we start our Saturday morning off right, with friends and fun exercise!
