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Diabetes fundraiser raises more than $125,000 for research

About 1,000 people packed the UA Mall Saturday for a benefit walk to raise money for diabetes research.

University of Arizona President Peter Likins took a break from his heavy administrative workload to participate in the fundraising event.

"The university president has a responsibility to connect the university with the community at every opportunity," said Likins, whose maternal grandparents and aunt are diabetic.

Likins participated in the walk and completed two miles.

The 10th annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, was re-routed this year because of renovations on the Mall. Organizers of the event raised more than $125,000.

According to the foundation, diabetes affects about 16 million Americans and 120 million people worldwide. Those numbers are estimated to double by the year 2025 if no cure is found.

Participants began the one-mile walk at Old Main and ventured to the halfway point of the Mall, where the Integrated Learning Center construction site begins. Walkers then looped back around to Old Main, completing the mile lap.

Nancy Williams, coordinator for the event, said the walk was a success in terms of the amount of money raised and the number of participants.

"Our goal was 850 walkers," Williams said.

For the first time, the event featured a hot-air balloon ride for children who wanted an above-ground thrill.

Mona Johnson, management analyst for UA Facilities Management, piloted the balloon. Several first-time riders enjoyed the unique experience, she said.

"The kids and the conditions were great," Johnson said.

Walkers received a bit of excitement when Johnson and her crew had some trouble dismantling the balloon after the event.

Winds shifted while the balloon was still afloat, causing the balloon to lean to the side. The balloon just missed hitting a no parking sign.

But Johnson and her crew were able to gain control and bring down the balloon.

Walkers from organizations that had participants said they had different reasons for taking part in the event. Several people from Team Walgreens said they knew someone who had diabetes and the walk was an important fundraising event for them.

Williams said the walk was only a formality, while the main reason for the event was to raise money for diabetes research which is done at the UA.