Miles Completed to Date: 10,030+
Route: West -- Western FL, AL, MS, LA, TX, NM, AZ, CA
North -- San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA
East -- ID, MT, ND, MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH, PA, NY, VT, NH, ME
South -- MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, Washington, DC, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL
End Point: Madeira Beach, FL
Walker: Andrew P. Mandell -- Mr. Diabetes© -- Executive Director of Defeat Diabetes Foundation
Personal Stats: Insulin Dependent Diabetic -- Diagnosed 1985
Born April 23, 1945
Height 6'4"
Weight -- 250 lbs.
Mr. Diabetes'© stride is approximately 30 inches. He estimated that he took at least 21 million steps during his walk, one step for each diabetic in the country.
Along his travel route Mr. Diabetes© met with people one-on-one and in small groups. He spoke at schools, fraternal and civic organizations, boys and girls clubs and scouting organizations.
Life on the road presented many challenges and hardships. Mr. Diabetes© lived in a recreational vehicle (RV) and camped each night after his walk. He was often exposed to extreme elements, harsh temperatures and encounters with feral animals. Andy was linked to the world by a cell phone, satellite dish and a lap top computer.
Russ and Shirley Barriger, were the Tour Manager(s). They were responsible for Mr. Diabetes'© safety while on the road, mapping the route, documenting the tour on video and acting as on-site press liaison.
Andy provided regular updates of his journey on the web that provide a glimpse of his daily life. Read his last
update of The Tour™.