Walking for a Cure at Queens Center Mall

Over 213,000 people in Queens live with diabetes. Fortunately, about 750 people are willing to walk to find a cure. On Sunday, September 17, people from all over the city will walk around the Queens Center Mall to focus on the need for more research rather than the need for a new outfit.
For the second consecutive year, America's Mall Walk for Diabetes will take place in the borough with the most diabetics in the city. The event is conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), whose goal is &#8220to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.”
The association views Queens as an ideal site for spreading awareness about the disease.
&#8220Queens, being a diverse borough, gives us the chance to reach out to so many different people,” said Geneva Humdy, the Director of the Mall Walk. &#8220We're going to have people representing all communities.”
The ADA has teamed with Elmhurst Hospital and Queens Hospital Center, two of Queens best medical hospitals to get borough residents involved and aware that diabetes can be prevented.
&#8220As a premiere healthcare organization, we have a commitment to our community to raise awareness about diabetes,” said Chris Constantino, Elmhurst Hospital Center's Executive Director. &#8220By joining forces with the American Diabetes Association, we are able to stress the importance of educating the public about this growing epidemic.”
Constantino, who also serves as co-chairman of the event cited the hospital's continued efforts towards promoting chronic disease management for sponsoring the event for the second time.
&#8220The partnership we have with the ADA gives us even more leverage to really get the word out there,” said Constantino. &#8220Participating in the walk is just another way for us to emphasize to the community how important it is to educate individuals about diabetes.”
Other corporate sponsors include The Queens Courier, CD 101.9, and the Astoria Savings Bank.
Walkers are obligated to collect a minimum of $150 in pledge donations to register for the 5K walk. Last year, the goal was set to raise $75,000 and with the generosity of so many sponsors, that goal was achieved. This year, Humdy and the ADA have set their bar even higher.
&#8220Our goal is $100,000,” said Humdy. Asked if she felt that sum was realistic, she replied, &#8220Absolutely!”
The day begins with the walk at 8:30 a.m. followed by a fitness festival at 9:30 a.m., which educates participants about diabetes and its prevention. Music Mixed Intelligently will be on hand to keep everyone in the spirit.
With live entertainment, free food and drinks, and the chance to help a worthy cause, the day should be as fun and easy - as a walk in the park - or mall.