Pete Domenici: “On September 26, people all across America joined in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation's 'Walk to Cure Diabetes.' Today…”

“On September 26, people all across America joined in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation's 'Walk to Cure Diabetes.' Today, approximately 16 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Heart and kidney disease, strokes, blindness, loss of limbs, and nerve damage are just some of the complications associated with this dread disease. An estimated 179,000 people die from this deadly disease and its complications every year. Unfortunately, diabetes rates are growing worldwide. I rise today to commend the 'Walk to Cure Diabetes,' which is an effort to increase public awareness about this disease and to raise private sector funding for the search for a cure. In Albuquerque, my hometown, hundreds of New Mexicans participated in the 'Walk to Cure Diabetes.' They joined thousands of Americans who walked and ran to raise more than $40 million to support research for better diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately, a cure to diabetes. I am heartened by the fact that participation in this grassroots effort is growing in New Mexico, where diabetes hits especially hard among our American Indian and Hispanic people. Among these populations, this disease is exacting a devastating toll.”