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WALK TRUMPS HOMERUN AT EVENT KICK-OFF  
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation launches 2008 “Walk to Cure Diabetes”

PHOENIX, Ariz.– September 17, 2008 – Normally home to free throws and three pointers, the U.S. Airways Center welcomed a first pitch to kick-off the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) baseball-themed Walk to Cure Diabetes Presented by GoDaddy.com®. The launch took place on Monday, Sept. 15. More than 700 supporters listened as all-stars such as Arizona Diamondbacks’ President Derrick Hall and GoDaddy.com Vice President of Corporate Administration, Nima Kelly announced this year’s plans, vowing to generate big-time support in the quest to bring home the cure.

"Diabetes is a disease that touches so many of us in so many ways," Kelly told the crowd.  "GoDaddy.com is committed to raising awareness, as well as money. Arizona's JDRF event is already the largest walk of its kind in the world -- and come November first, you'll see support from GoDaddy.com and our entire community in the way of walkers, donations and enthusiasm that tops even last year's record-setting stats."

Additional sponsors for this year’s walk include but are not limited to Albertsons, Discover Financial Services, Sonora Quest Laboratories and Walgreens.

This year’s Walk to Cure Diabetes will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, and once again returns to Tempe Town Lake. The Walk to Cure Diabetes is the largest family-friendly walk in Arizona, attracting more than 26,000 walkers and raising more than $2.4 million in 2007.  This year the organization’s goal is to exceed $2.5 million. The daylong event is open to the public and free to attend. Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 in donations. 

“This is the first time I would encourage a walk over a homerun,” Hall joked. “I am extremely honored to be working on behalf of JDRF. My goal is to build on their previous success, bringing out as many people as possible to support this great cause.” 

Over the years Hall has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for diabetes advocacy, research and education. His involvement with JDRF is just one of many charitable organizations he donates his time and energy to each year. 

To register for the Walk to Cure Diabetes and learn about other programs and services provided by the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, visit jdrf.org.
    
About the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:
JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes—a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since its inception, JDRF has provided nearly $1.2 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, visit www.jdrf.org