Six Flags holds diabetes walk

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Thousands of people were at Six Flags in Agawam today, but it wasn't to go on roller coasters in the park. They were there for a much more special reason: to raise money to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. 22news was there to hear the stories of some of those families.

A lot of people might not put a whole lot of thought into eating. When they're hungry, they reach for something to eat. But it's not that simple for those diagnosed with diabetes.

“People who have type 1 diabetes have to monitor their condition on a daily basis. Sometimes minute to minute or hour to hour, it’s a struggle. They just can't live like the rest of us.” Nancy Logan said.

It's a constant balancing act, keeping track of blood sugars so they don't soar too high.

“Their body starts to eat its own muscle which is very dangerous it's not good for your organs. We also have to watch out for lows. He could go unconscious if his blood sugar gets too low,” Dorothy Campise said.

Some families walked Sunday to clear up some of the misconceptions about diabetes.

Rebecca Morris said. “It doesn't stop anybody from doing anything they want to do. One of the big misnomers about diabetes is that you can't have sugar. That's not true. You can have anything you want to eat you just need to make sure you counter the sugar with insulin.”

But everyone who was there walked for hope.

“My son was diagnosed ten years ago with juvenile diabetes. We're here every year since then to come walk and raise money to find a cure so that hopefully he can go off to college without having to worry about diabetes,” Sarah Cooney told 22News.

22news anchor reporter Laura Hutchinson showed her support for juvenile diabetes by serving as emcee of this event. Organizers expected more than 3500 people.