San Antonio helps at October 29 Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes

The Annual Walk to Stop Diabetes began early on October 29, 2016, as the Rapid Relief Team from San Antonio arrived long before the sun rose, to assist with the set up and preparation for the day. While the tents, tables and other provisions were being set up, several more RRT volunteers drove the gator to the water stations along the route to make sure they were well equipped with provisions for the participants.

RRT helping set up for the event in the early morning

Every 23 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes and this walk raises critical funds to support all people living with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. The American Diabetes Association supports nearly 30 million children and adults in the U.S. by funding and providing critical diabetes research, information programs, and advocacy efforts, as well as reaches 86 million with prediabetes.

And the walk begins!

The event kicked off by focusing on the Step Out Team Captains who dedicated themselves to fundraising long before the day of the event. Once registered, the participants were able to take part in some of the activities and enter to win cool prizes.

 The Flamenco Dancers, who performed an amazing rendition of the traditional Spanish dance.

RRT set up their signature red tent at the start line, and as the walk began, RRT volunteers handed out enough water to keep the walkers going until the next rest stop.  As the day progressed, the volunteers made sure all participants were taken care of, and assisted the event coordinators to help the day run smoothly! Even the flamenco couple expressed their appreciation for RRT’s support!

The RRT team made sure everyone had plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Several hours later, the last walkers triumphantly crossed the finish line and celebrated their accomplishment with music and dancing.  At the close of the event, RRT stuck around to help clean up the event and pack up the supplies.

Enthusiastic group dashes across the finish line, proudly waiving their team banner!

It was truly inspiring to witness how the determination of those afflicted with diabetes motivated the team to fight harder to end this disease.  RRT was grateful for the opportunity to work with the Diabetes Association again this year and look forward to helping in the coming years!