The Walk from Obesity

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease affecting more than 34 percent of American adults and 17 percent of American children (an increase of 75 percent throughout the last 20 years). Every day hundreds of people in the United States will die from obesity and its related health conditions. Obesity is a complex, multi-faceted disease that has been misunderstood by medical professionals, governmental agencies and the general public.

The Walk from Obesity was established to give hope to those needing it most. Walkers raise money by asking friends, family and co-workers to sponsor them. In addition to walker income, funds are raised through sponsorship, matching gifts, corporate contributions and other fundraising activities.

The funds raised through this event support the ASMBS Foundation and the Obesity Action Coalition’s independent educational missions and fund programs focused on prevention, research, education and advocacy for all those affected by obesity.

This year, Hollywood Bariatrics hosted the Walk from Obesity in Hollywood, Florida at TY park on September 12, 2009.  It is one of only two Walk locations organized in the state of Florida this year and has raised over $8000.00 thus far. Joe Bromley  of Hollywood Bariatrics and his team “Keeping it Clean” is the high fundraiser with over $1400.00 dollars raised for the Walk.  Gulf Coast Bariatrics patient’s Valerie, Susan, Ann, Carol and Cherise made the trip across Alligator Alley to stride wide with the East coast gang. Valerie and Ann are high individual fundraisers for Team Gulf Coast Bariatrics. Overall, the Walk was a huge success with over 50 walkers participating and local sponsorship from Memorial Regional Hospital, Dr. Bernard Shuster, Linda Kaye, LMHC and William and Alicia Ron.  National sponsors in attendance were Allergan, Covidien and Ethicon. Product donations were made from Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Eating, Building Blocks Vitamins, Celebrate Vitamins, CVS and Poste Haste Pharmacy. It is because of all the sponsors, volunteers and walkers that the 2009 Walk was a huge success.  Get your sneakers ready for 2010!