Diabetes walk has special meaning for city councilor

Coun. Mike Anthony has a special reason for getting involved with this year’s Walk to Cure Diabetes.

Anthony was diagnosed with diabetes within the past year, he said earlier this week at a breakfast to launch the event, which is sponsored by the the Juvenile Diabetes research Foundation and takes place June 5 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

“This event takes on more meaning for me. My grandmother died from complications of it, and my father has suffered from it,” Anthony said.

“I plan to thrive and survive. In the past I’ve chipped in a few bucks for the cause, but this year I had the pleasure of bringing official municipal greetings, and I’ve been asked to help cut the ribbon on the big day.”

Anthony said he’s had a couple of “close calls” since learning he had the illness.

“One was a week-long hospital stay, and one a collapse due to not monitoring my diet and medication properly. I’m learning more everyday, and I’ve got a good handle on it now,” Anthony said.

“I believe the hard work of the JDRF shows we are getting closer and closer to a cure. That’s good news, since most people don’t know that diabetetes–related deaths in Canada outnumber those of breast cancer, AIDS, and lupus combined.”

Anthony congratulated corporate sponsors who will be supporting this event as well as its many participants.

"And you cannot help but be impressed with this year’s well-spoken Youth Ambassador Daniel Godfrey”

Last year’s walk raised over $50,000 in North Bay.

“I bet we beat that this year,” Anthony said.

Anyone who’d like further information on the walk can call Sue Schouwarstra, 744-0160, or Kim Thibeault, 474-5959.