MIAMI, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Foundation and the nation's largest drugstore chain, Walgreens, are teaming up again for the 6th annual DRI Walk for Diabetes & Family Fun Day Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Marlins Park in Miami, home to the Miami Marlins. This fun family event – which has helped raise more than $1.5 million toward the cure-focused work of the DRI to date – has become one of South Florida's premier walks and 5k/10k runs and is expected to attract 10,000 people.
Participants will enjoy a day of activities focused on health and fitness for the whole family, plus outdoor games, bounce houses, face painting, live music, health booths, and giveaways. Also happening that morning is the DRIHope4aCure 5K/10K Run & Kids' Fun Run, where kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite super heroes and help battle this growing disease.
"The prevalence of diabetes continues to grow at epidemic proportions with more than 29.1 million people affected in the U.S., and about 10% of people affected right here in Miami-Dade County, many of whom are our customers and patients," said Roy Ripak, Regional Vice President for Walgreens. "Walgreens is committed to helping people get, stay and live well. Together we can help raise awareness and critical funding to support the mission of the Diabetes Research Institute."
As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. The Institute is now developing the DRI BioHub, a bioengineered "mini organ" that mimics the native pancreas and produces the precise amount of insulin needed in real time.
This annual event is supported each year by fundraising teams of families affected by diabetes, individuals, companies, Walgreens employees and customers; volunteers, corporate sponsors, and media partners. Top sponsors include, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Island Planet, Red Bull, Frito-Lay, Comcast, Clear Channel Outdoor, Noi Caffe, OmniPod, Chelly Cosmetics, and others.
Registration for the walk opens at 7 a.m., the 5K/10K & Fun Run start at 8 a.m., and Walk starts at 9:00am. For more information stop by the closest Walgreens store, visit WalgreensWalkDRI.org, or call 1-800-321-3437.
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SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
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