This past Saturday, Amanda and I ventured 30 minutes down the Florida Turnpike to Dolphins Stadium for the DRI Walk for Diabetes & Family Fun Day. I haven’t had a chance to attend a DRI walk before because of previous engagements, but this year we put it on the schedule well in advance. I’ve been to Dolphins Stadium over 10 times since I’ve lived in Florida over the last 8.5 years, and every time I go there for something, I still picture Ace Ventura with the big wad of gum in his mouth bringing ole’ Dan Marino back to finish the game against my Philadelphia Eagles, but that’s a bit of a side story.
The walk was also presented by Walgreens and the Biggest Loser Resorts. I’ve heard about these resorts in the past and have always been interested in possibly going to one for a week, so I was interested to see their information. Neutrogena who was the main sponsor brought along some soccer dudes that were basically Harlem Globetrotters but with soccer balls and they did some amazing things. The main highlight for me was seeing Froggy from Elvis Duran in the Morning Show. I listen to that show every single morning and didn’t know he was there until I heard that unique voice up on stage.
Another diabetes legend I was able to stop and talk to was Diabetes Dad, Tom Karlya. It’s always great to see some familiar faces from the DOC, so I was monitoring Twitter to see if there were any other locals that I knew at the event, but unfortunately, I couldn’t meet up with any others.
For me, these walks are pure motivation and assurance that as a group, we can kick some serious ass. The motivation comes from seeing all the other PWD’s testing, injecting, bolusing, CGM’ing and doing what they need to do in order to live a healthy life. And then I see myself and realize that I’m not always doing those things, and I need to do a better job at it. The kicking ass part is just simple. All these people here for one reason. They are there to support diabetes awareness. Whether it’s through a donation to research, support for a family member or friend, or just to get some damn exercise and information about diabetes because they know they may be at risk.
We are all there to support a common cause.
It is very difficult to stop a large amount of numbers with the same goal and mindset.