By Meg Hibbert
Contributing Writer
Sally Southard and Sara Bell are looking forward to the day when there is a cure for diabetes. Meanwhile they are encouraging this year’s 300 walkers and 40 teams to raise $75,000, up from last year’s $60,000.
The walk is at the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium on April 14, starting at 3 p.m. Check-in begins at 2, and an after party from 4-5 will feature a DJ, big door prizes, and surprise guests.
“It’s all about research to find a cure,” said Southard, who has had diabetes since she was young.
Last year Salem’s walk won an award for the largest community walk in the country that raised the most money, said Bell, whose son, Chris Bell of Colorado, was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago.
New activities this year at the walk include entertainment along the route by Roanoke Symphony Maestro David Wiley – who is bringing a keyboard.
At the after party Jean Lewis will be making balloon animals, kids can paint rocks, make friendship bracelets and get their faces painted. D.J. Jeff Crouse of MC Productions will provide music for dancing.
Door prizes include a night at the Salem Red Sox game June 22 in the biggest suite; a handmade queen size quilt from Threads in Motion, and a package from Starr Hill Brewery.
A plethora of volunteers, ranging from local churches, to area Lions Club members and Leo young members who are donating snacks, to Salem High School club students will be helping out.
“We’re so grateful for the people who are volunteering,” Southard said.
A new surprise this year will be Michael the Giant, a stilt walker from North Carolina, Bell said. Area team sports mascots will also be there. Dave Seidel, news director of WVTF Public Radio, will be the MC again.
“We want to have fun, and time to meet other families who are living with Type 1 Diabetes,” Southard added.
The Greater Blue Ridge Juvenile Diabetes Foundation runs from Lynchburg to Danville, Staunton to Southwest Virginia, she said.
To register to walk, go to walk.jdrf.org and choose the Roanoke Greater Blue Ridge Walk. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, contact Sara Bell at sarambell61@yahoo.com.
