On September 20, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) will host its flagship fundraising event of the year at the El Dorado Park to raise awareness and provide critical support for those affected by diabetes. Step Out® Walk will bring together the diabetes community, volunteers, and advocates for a walk for people of all ages and abilities.
Approximately 3,538,800 adults in California, or 10.5% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Every year, an estimated 231,000 adults in California are diagnosed with diabetes.
The walk benefits diabetes research, education, management, and prevention supporting the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Increasingly, this inlcudes those living with obesity, as the Obesity Association™, a division of the ADA, expands outreach and education.
“Our Step Out Walk is a wonderful opportunity to bring our Southern California community together while raising awareness and making a difference in the fight to end diabetes,” said Anita Dominguez, the ADA’s executive director in Southern California. “This year we are at a new location, El Dorado Park in Long Beach. We welcome all Step Out Walk participants to stay after the event to enjoy a day at the park. We thank our generous sponsors and participants for their support.”
The excitement will begin with an energizing opening ceremony and inspiring speakers. The community is invited to participate in a morning filled with engaging activities for everyone, and attendees are invited to wear red ADA gear and bring banners and signs to show support for the cause.
Step Out Walk will also provide valuable diabetes resources and experts on-site to provide advice on diabetes management and prevention for attendees.
Diabetes isn't just a disease—it's an epidemic, over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes and its devastating consequences. Events like this are crucial to raise awareness and provide resources to support those living with diabetes.
This year’s Step Out Walk is sponsored by Novo Nordisk and Vanessa Villaverde, the 2025 executive campaign chair for Step Out: Southern California.
“Diabetes takes too much from too many families,” said Villaverdo. “Together we can change that. Wellness should be for everyone.”
Registration for the event is free. To learn more about the 2025 Step Out: Southern California and register, visit /StepOutSoCal.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure—and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
