Wake Up & Walk Tour Journal

UPDATE: September 2008	Sunday, October 05, 2008
MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOUR UPDATE :  September, 2008 LOCATION:  San Carlos Park, Florida TOTAL MILES:  9861.3 I am now walking up RTE 41 on the Gulf Coast of Florida; heading north. San Carlos Park is about 35 miles north of Marco Island and 25 miles north of Naples. Further up the road is Ft. Meyers, Port Charlotte, Venice/Venice Beach, Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa and, finally St. Petersburg and Madeira Beach – THE FINISH!!  That’s only about 160 miles to go!!  So, now the plan is to walk just a few days a week at low mileage each walk – maybe just 5 +/- miles.  I don’t want to get too far ahead of the planned celebrations:  December 14 in Sarasota and December 21 in Madeira Beach.  And, in case you are wondering if you are invited – YES!! – you are invited!!  Just go to the DDF Home Page:  www.DefeatDiabetes.org and look at The Orange Festival – That’s US!!! and the second event in Madeira Beach. [A NOTE on both celebrations: The Orange Festival®:  This is a special event being co-ordinated by Judy Dean of The Finer Places in Sarasota, FL.  Judy is being assisted by our own Public Outreach Director, Dawn Swidorski.  You can get more information by going to the DDF Home Page and/or  POPSExtras.org. It is quite an event:  a Parade with Motorcycles of Viet Nam vets, a fife & drum group (bagpipes), Big Top Tent which seats 1700 people (provided by PAL Sailor Circus), orange recipe contest, martial arts, dance and circus demonstrations, Blood Mobile for diabetes testing, booths and sponsors, and a whole lot more…………….  Lots of fun for families and kids of ALL ages. Check it out!!! The event in Madeira Beach is also being planned by Judy and Dawn.  Here, we will have a parade which will end at Archibald Park on the beach.  The theme is a bit different, as this will mark the final miles of THE WALK™ and ceremonies to acknowledge the eight years it represents. This, too, will be GREAT FUN!!!] Meanwhile, I continue to walk & talk.  On September 16, the day after we moved from Florida City Campground (on the east coast – The Gateway to the Florida Keys) to a campground in Naples, I met with Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala.  From there, and at Commissioner Fiala’s suggestion, we then went to The Human Resources Dept. and met with Wellness Nurse Marilyn Hamachek.  I am hopeful we can arrange a time to speak with the whole department while camped here in Naples.   Media coverage was practically non-existent for the past two months.  The Miami Herald covers the southeastern region of Florida, and my interview with them was published on the internet August 5 and in print on August 7.  TV coverage was about the same time.  So, it wasn’t until I crossed The Everglades and reached Marco Island that media coverage began, again.  Russ worked his magic there, and I had a great interview with The Marco Eagle, reporter Quentin Roux.  Russ is back in mode and a couple of days later he arranged for another interview with The Naples Daily News. Photographer David Albers came out and walked with me for a mile, or so.  Both these guys were great, and the public responded to their articles – lots of horns and greetings of encouragement.   And, even though summer is officially over, it’s still hot and a bit humid.  But, that is beginning to lighten up.  As we move further into Fall, temperatures are gradually dropping (now holding in mid the 80’s) and the humidity is not quite as high.  So, life is getting a lot more pleasant for me.   Now that I’m through The Everglades I can look back at my walk through it.  That was an interesting experience, something I’m glad I did and delighted I will not do again.  The Everglades is an extraordinarily beautiful region of the U.S. and I recommend for everyone to add it to their itinerary if they come to Florida. It is Mother Nature in her original suit of clothes. But, do it in your car – not on foot.  And, enjoy an airboat ride and visit the wildlife museums where alligators, snakes, panthers and more are featured.  And, for those of you who are gamblers, the Miccosukee Indians offer a gambling casino.  We (me and Tour Managers Russ & Shirley Barriger) didn’t step inside the casino, but it is a big building and, I’m sure, fully equipped with all the latest gambling games.  It sits on RTE 41 about 19 miles directly west of downtown Miami.  At that point you are in The Everglades.   On a serious note, the purpose of The MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOUR has been a walk of diabetes awareness. I have met individually w/ over 76,000 people who have shared their diabetes concerns with me.  And, the media has taken a genuine interest in this effort to impact diabetes by covering this story in over 1000 interviews in the newspapers, radio and TV.  We have documented this media outreach, at this point, to be over 68 million people. I have met with about 150 elected officials, including Senator/Congressmen, Governors, Mayors, County Commissioners, City Councils and others, which has resulted with over 120 Proclamations (MR. DIABETES® Day, Defeat Diabetes® Day, Diabetes Awareness Day, etc.). I have met with community business leaders, hospital administrators, school administrators, world recognized diabetes researchers, and more…………   During all this time (8 years) I have been documenting “diabetes” as it exists in America – and it is UGLY!!!!!!!!  I have been working 24/7 all of this time with our dedicated staff at Defeat Diabetes Foundation.  In all this time and during these past 9861.3 miles I have walked, it has been SOLELY a walk of awareness!!  I have never asked anyone for a donation during THE WALK™, although some people have offered a few pocket donations along the way, which I have accepted. I didn’t want to confuse this walk of “diabetes awareness” with a fund-raising effort.  And I’m glad I did it that way.   But, now, as I close in on these final 160 miles, I ask you all to become a part of this historic and epic journey.  If you are diabetic, if anyone in your family is diabetic, if you have a friend who is diabetic – then, you have directly benefited from what has been offered and learned, and what will be shared with you as a result of our efforts at Defeat Diabetes Foundation.  And, more importantly, we can help prevent future suffering by preventing Type 2 diabetes 95%.   RECAP:  Diabetes is an epidemic out of control.  *There are 24 million Americans who have it and one-third (1/3) don’t even know it!! This number is expected to TRIPLE by 2025!!  *There are 57 million Americans who are classified as “pre-diabetic” – people at high risk of developing it within the next 10-15 years.  *One of three children born in 2000 and going forward is expected to develop diabetes in their lifetime; and higher in certain ethnicities!! Diabetes is a deadly disease.  *YEARLY: 24,000 new cases of adult blindness; *100,000 amputations; *2-4 times more likely to have a heart attack; *4-6 times more likely to have a stroke; *leading cause of kidney disease; *life expectancy shortened by 10-15 years (average); *over 215,000 deaths annually; *and a whole lot more…….. Annual financial cost:  OVER $200 billion!!!!   Well, NOW is the time for you to become a player! NOW is the time for you to get off your duffs and stand up and be counted!  NOW is the time for you to look at your children, your spouses, your FAMILY and friends and take responsibility for them and share the responsibility with them!!  ANYONE in your life, after reading this, who develops Type 2 diabetes, you will ALWAYS wonder if you could have done something to help prevent it, or certainly, caught it at its earliest possible time in order to prevent the nasty complications of diabetes. We CAN and WILL help you!!  This is what we do and we are pretty darn good at it – we feel we are the best!!!!   If you want to take the easiest meaningful path, send a tax deductible donation to Defeat Diabetes Foundation and we will continue our great and meaningful works.  No amount is too little, but $100.00 (one hundred dollars) will represent one penny of support for each and every mile I have walked.  AND, except for finance/bank charges (2%-3%) ALL of your donation will go directly to Defeat Diabetes Foundation – 100%!!  Our mission is prevention, and early identification if it’s too late for prevention.   If you wish to do volunteer work, we are developing programs which will be in place beginning in 2009.   This UPDATE has focused on getting through The Everglades and back into civilization. Clearly, there’s a lot going on, but don’t ignore our many valuable programs:  E-Lerts™ newsletter; Defeat Diabetes® News Service;  MADDCAP™, DefeatDiabetes® CareGiverHelper;  Acsia Insurance;  B-CLEAR energy drink;  Sensational Stevia Desserts; American Diabetes Wholesale; HobNobLocal.com; and several others, which can be found on the side rails of our over 3500 pages on this website. And, we will soon be adding other products & services helpful to diabetics and those interested in achieving and/or maintaining their good health. And, now, because I feel it is so important, what follows is a REPEAT!!!   Defeat Diabetes Foundation is now into its 19th year in existence – as of September, 2008.  In our non-profit 501(c)(3) capacity we have grown to help people in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  We also have a presence, via the internet, into over 28 countries around the world.  Our programs, which we offer to the world, are free to them and ongoing.  But, they are not free to us.  The cost of raising money to continue to deliver our valuable programs is prohibitive.  But, in these trying times, we are left little choice.  But, YOU can help!!    When you designate a program for your support 100% of that donation (less bank processing fees if you use a Major Credit Card) will go to that program.  Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, which allows for your donation to be tax deductible.  You may donate to any of our programs with VISA, MASTER CARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS.  During my perimeter walk of the United States I have interacted, one-on-one, with tens of thousands of individuals who suffer with diabetes.  These victims require relief NOW, for themselves AND their families.  It is absolutely clear and well recognized by top diabetes researchers and scientists that there WILL NOT be a cure in the next 20-30 years, if then.  But, we know how to prevent future Type 2 diabetes (90% of the total 24 million diabetics in the U.S.) 95% of the time.  That means we can prevent diabetes from afflicting 95% of the 57+ million pre-diabetics in the U.S.) So, Defeat Diabetes Foundation is introducing programs that address prevention. So, please make your next tax deductible donation to:  Defeat Diabetes Foundation. For sponsorship and/or advertising on our website:  www.DefeatDiabetes.org   and click on Products & Services to learn our policy(ies).   Remember, as MR. DIABETES® says:  “What’s worse than finding out you have diabetes? ……..   NOT finding out!!!!”   To reach me personally with your questions and comments:                            E-mail:  mrdiabetes@DefeatDiabetes.org Good Health. Andy Mandell                                                                                                                  MR. DIABETES®                                          AWARENESS + ACTION =  PREVENTION®
UPDATE: August 2008	Sunday, September 07, 2008
MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOUR UPDATE :  August, 2008 LOCATION:  Miccosuki Indian Reservation, Florida TOTAL MILES:  9748.9 This has been a very tough month – VERY TOUGH!!!  There were/are climate issues – walking in the tropics;  walking conditions issues – roads, swamplands, animals, reptiles and insects, unpredictable vehicle traffic and more…………..; transportation issues – the support vehicle was in an accident and totaled;  and other concerns.  All of this has created a major slow down of our progress.  Now, I’ll get more specific, in order to give you an idea of life in my world, here in southern Florida in the Summer.   THE CLIMATE:  The temperatures are consistently in the 90’s.  But Florida has a “Heat Index” similar to the “Wind Chill Index” that exists in the North during the Winter months.  The extreme humidity is the reason for this “heat Index” and typically raises the temperature(s) 10 degrees, or more. It makes the air very heavy so, it’s harder to breathe.  Unfortunately, the roads I’m walking have swamp and thick vegetation, which greatly interferes with any breeze that may exist.   Interestingly, when I was walking in the deserts of our American Southwest during the middle of Summer, and temperatures were routinely over 100 degrees and up to 115 degrees (that’s air temp – ground temp could reach 20+ degrees hotter), it seemed a lot “cooler” then than this Florida climate feels now. It’s a “dry heat” in the desert, and that seems to make all the difference.  I don’t want to minimize the dangers of being active in excessive heat.    Precautions must be taken, always, to meet the demands of heat and ALL climate conditions.  I have taken precautions every single day I’ve walked, wherever I have walked.  Precautions must include proper hydration, appropriate clothing and more.  This is an important subject for another time.   And, along with heat & humidity & swamp(s), comes insects.  I should say INSECTS!!, including the dreaded mosquito.  Even though I wear an insect repellant, I’m still getting feasted upon.  Not much more I can do about it.  Russ, on the other hand, is in an air conditioned vehicle and only under extreme circumstances will he get out of it or, even, open the window.  As soon as he does these insects are all over him.  Welcome to the tropics!     In addition to the excessive heat & humidity, this is hurricane season in Florida and along the east coast up to New England.  But, most hurricanes originate to the south and east off our east coast, thus, making Florida the prime target for hurricanes and tropical storms.    Hurricanes can be unpredictable and go into the Gulf of Mexico or up the east coast.  Tropical storms, a bit less severe, are not to be taken lightly and can cause devastating damage to life and property.  Storm season is from June 30 – November 30.  So far, there’s been Hurricane Fay, which has caused flooding not seen in Florida for decades, at least.  Now, as I write this (August 31) Hurricane Gustav is working its way into The Gulf of Mexico and threatens the Gulf Coasts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.  Gustav is a Level 4 which means it is carrying gale force winds of 140 – 150 mph and may well go higher. It just crossed Cuba and there are reports of winds reaching 200 mph!!  Coastal areas are evacuating!!   And, working its way in this direction is the big threat of Hurricane Hanna.  Tropical storms do not get names. And, deserving of mention, are lightning storms.  Florida is the lightning capital of the world.  This presents many more concerns about safety.  Needles to say, I won’t walk in any of these conditions.  Actually, throughout THE WALK™ there are only a few conditions in which I won’t walk:  major storms, snow (no longer an issue) and, if I spot lightning at ANY distance, I stop walking immediately (if I can see it, it can see me!!)   ROAD CONDITIONS:  This translates into “walking conditions”.   .  Before I continue, I want to acknowledge that every single walk from the very first day to today (and until I finish) has presented unique challenges, which must be dealt with and respected. I got spoiled for most of the walking conditions down the east coast of Florida.  For almost 350 miles I enjoyed the luxury of sidewalks (most of that distance) and on flat ground.  But, at Florida City, billed as The Gateway to The Keys, that all changed drastically.  I walked to Key Largo down Card Sound Road, the alternative road to a suicidal walk down RTE 1.  [AN ASIDE: This road is recommended by The East Coast Greenway Alliance as the pedestrian route all the way to Key West.  The entire ECGA Trail, the most fantastic pedestrian route, goes 2700 miles from Calais, ME to Key West, FL.  I have walked portions of this trail from Maine to Key Largo, Florida and I am a HUGE fan.  It is an incredible accomplishment by a dedicated staff headed up by Director Karen Votava.]   Card Sound Road was the most difficult stretch of road on The Keys from Florida City to Key West.  It didn’t have the heavy traffic of RTE 1, but the traffic was/is still quite substantial – just slower, necessarily, because of the way the road is laid out.  That said, it’s a narrow 2 lane road with swamp on both sides.  There is not much of a shoulder to walk on, leaving me to step into the grassy areas lining the roadway.  Alligators, snakes, BIG cats, wild boar are all part of the environment and need to be watched for and respected.    After reaching Key Largo, I decided not to walk the 106 more miles to Key West. The primary reason is that from Key Largo to Key West there is a miniscule population, except for Key West, and THE WALK™ is a walk of awareness. For purposes of THE WALK™ I am more productive by getting across the State to Naples and the Gulf Coast of Florida where there is a large population who will benefit from this effort. I hope to one day go back and do that stretch, as it will be an absolute pleasure – 99 miles is very walkable with 90+ miles of that walkway being sidewalks.  The only part I consider UNwalkable (for safety reasons) is the 7 MILE BRIDGE.  There is a decent breakdown lane, but if you are on foot and a vehicle strays into that breakdown lane at a high rate of speed, well……………………………..I’m sure there are some who would call me overly cautious.  But, I’ve walked this country on every conceivable type roadway, roads much more dangerous and challenging than 7 MILE BRIDGE, and if I do walk The Keys and decide to include walking across this bridge, you can be assured I will take extraordinary precautions, as I did on all the others.   Now, I am walking across southern Florida in The Everglades.  I am on RTE 41 (The Tamiami Trail aka Alligator Alley).  This road is much like Card Sound Road but more of everything.  This 2 lane road is a major link between the West Coast of Florida and the East Coast.  The traffic is non-stop (slight breaks) and innumerable simi-trucks going in both directions.  The road stretches for over 100 miles from downtown Miami to Naples.  I don’t think there are any intersecting roads that would offer an alternative to this one, except, that is, RTE I-75 which crosses the State a bit further north.  But, that’s an interstate and no pedestrian traffic is permitted.  What this means, in terms of vehicle traffic, is that the posted speed limits of 45-55 mph are ignored by many drivers who, I guesstimate, are traveling at speeds of 100+ mph.    Also, I find myself surrounded by snakes (not my favorite thing) and alligators are common to see. So far, the closest any alligator has come to me is 20-30 yards; the snakes, though, has been several feet and one big black snake (10’+/-) was only a few inches; it was stretched out in the shadows of the guard rail I was walking close to, while watching/avoiding the oncoming traffic.  I’m learning to improve my multi-tasking skills.  I’m ever vigilant about the BIG cats, wild boar and other wildlife living and hunting in the woods and swamp lining this road.  Of course, Russ is always nearby in the event of problems and I have taken precautionary steps to guard against unwanted attention.  Unfortunately, I haven’t found those special “snakebite boots” which offer protection up to your knees.  I couldn’t find any my size.   On the other side of this picture is the extraordinary beauty that is The Everglades.  Here, there is an eco-system that has existed since the beginning of time (at least as far back as I care to look) and demonstrates nature’s fantastic balance.  There are a number of air boat tours available to visitors.  They will take you through The Everglades where you can get up VERY close and personal, guaranteeing you sightings of alligators, exotic birds, and more.  I haven’t taken an air boat ride, yet, but I’ve seen plenty of all of that anyway.  Maybe I’ll come back just for the boat ride.  HHMMmmmm………………….   TRANSPORTATION:  If you remember from my July UPDATE, I told you about the “support vehicle” being broadsided by a cab in Miami.  Well, after a month, it’s been determined to be totaled.  That’s created another problem that needs to be resolved.  Insurance provided a rental vehicle for the month, but that time has lapsed.  Now we only have Russ & Shirley’s pick-up truck.  It will suffice for a little while, but it isn’t intended for the rigors of THE WALK™.  So, the hunt is on for a replacement vehicle.  If anyone wishes to assist me, here, I sure would appreciate it.  Maybe you know a Dealer, or an individual, who would like to support this cause and get a tax deduction, too.  DDF can give a tax deductible receipt for a vehicle donation.  A financial gift will also work to help replace the “support vehicle”; the insurance won’t cover a replacement of the vehicle.  Thank you for any help you can give.   MEDIA and MEETINGS:  Miami Herald:  Reporter:  Allison Goodman.  This article first appeared on the internet on August 5.  Then, it was included into 4 regional issues of the newspaper on August 7.  Allison did a great job and I got many compliments on how well she did with writing the facts of the story.  I also did a follow-up interview with Claire Stanford of the prestigious “Health.com” internet news service. I don’t know, yet, when this will be published, as this interview was quite extensive.  My guess, though, will be within a week.   My only Mayoral meeting was with Mayor Linda Bell of Homestead, Florida.  It was a very comprehensive meeting and this is one Mayor who truly cares about her city and really has her act together.  Homestead, you may remember, was literally decimated in 1992 by Hurricane Andrew.  I would put it on the same plane as New Orleans being hit by Hurricane Katrina.  I drove through Homestead right after “Andrew” (about 1 week) and it was an image of destruction I’ll never forget.  They have come a long way since, but you can see recovery is still in process.   DISASTER AVOIDED:  Another disaster was avoided ONLY because I prepared for its possibility.  Everyone knows about Murphy’s Law:  if something can happen, it will.  Now, learn Mandell’s Law:  Murphy was an optimist.  Here’s what happened:   Every day I walk, I routinely download the 2 digital cameras we carry.  I carry one on my hip and typically take from 200–300+ pictures of sights, events and people I meet during that day’s walk.  Russ and/or Shirley has the other camera and, from the “support vehicle”, will take upwards of 200 pictures.  And, of course, there are a couple of camcorders always working.  When I return to my RV I download all pics to my 2 external drives.  I used to download to only one of them, but a while ago I began downloading to both at the same sitting.  And am I glad I did!!  For some unknown reason, as quickly as flicking on a light switch, one of my external drives malfunctioned and wiped out everything on it – well over 100,000 pictures of THE WALK™.  I immediately went to Best Buy, got another 750 gig external drive and copied everything onto it from my “backup” drive.  Best Buy told me the information was lost and might be retrieved by going through an extremely expensive recovery process.  But, they thought, from their extensive testing in their store lab, that it’s irretrievably lost.    A good lesson, folks, back up ALL that you care about.  My next step is to back it all up on DVD – thank you, Lisa.  Best Buy will do it, reluctantly, as the content is kind of large – 223 gigs!   THE WALK:  On the DDF front, excitement is building as THE WALK™ is reaching its final miles - 250+.  I am currently walking across the State of Florida, through The Everglades, along Alligator Alley (RTE. 41) to Marco Island & Naples.  Then, it’s up the Gulf coast to a big-time fun-time celebration in Sarasota.  This will be under the BIG TOP sponsored by the Police Athletic League (PAL), and others. It is being organized by Judy Dean of The Finer Places, which is located in Sarasota.  Judy is being assisted by our own Public Outreach Director, Dawn Swidorski.  This event will take place on December 14, 2008.  It will have a parade, demonstrations and many activities for the Family and kids of all ages.    Then, on December 21, I will be walking the absolutely FINAL miles into Madeira Beach.  This is where THE WALK™ began with its first steps on December 1, 2000 from DDF Headquarters.  Here we’re planning a different kind of celebration.  If you’d like to join me for this momentous occasion, you are invited.  That’s right, if you are reading this, you are invited.  However, it will be helpful if you let us know you are coming, so we can plan accordingly.  Judy, Dawn and our DDF staff look forward to hearing from you.  Go to:   www.DefeatDiabetes.org  and “CONTACT US”.  If you don’t hear back from us within a few days, try again, as our high volume of website traffic sometimes has a way of misplacing an e-mail or two.  Also, check our Home Page for updates and announcements of these events.   That said, I’m feeling strong, mentally and physically, and am eager to walk the remaining 250+ miles.   This UPDATE has focused on my struggles of THE WALK™ and the various activities taking place during it.  But, don’t ignore our many valuable programs:  E-Lerts™ newsletter; Defeat Diabetes® News Service;  MADDCAP™, DefeatDiabetes® CareGiverHelper;  Acsia Insurance;  B-CLEAR energy drink;  Sensational Stevia Desserts; and several others, which can be found on the side rails of our over 3500 pages on this website. And, we will soon be adding other products & services helpful to diabetics and those interested in achieving and/or maintaining their good health.   Defeat Diabetes Foundation is now finishing its 18th year in existence.  That date will occur in September, 2008 – THIS MONTH!!  In our non-profit 501(c)(3) capacity we have grown to help people in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  We also have a presence, via the internet, into over 28 countries around the world.  Our programs, which we offer to the world, are free to them and ongoing.  But, they are not free to us.  The cost of raising money to continue to deliver our valuable programs is prohibitive.  But, in these trying times, we are left little choice.  But, YOU can help!!    When you designate a program for your support 100% of that donation (less bank processing fees if you use a Major Credit Card) will go to that program.  Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, which allows for your donation to be tax deductible.  You may donate to any of our programs with VISA, MASTER CARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS.    During my perimeter walk of the United States I have interacted, one-on-one, with tens of thousands of individuals who suffer with diabetes.  These victims require relief NOW, for themselves AND their families.  It is absolutely clear and well recognized by top diabetes researchers and scientists that there WILL NOT be a cure in the next 20-30 years, if then.    But, we know how to prevent future Type 2 diabetes (90% of the total 24 million diabetics in the U.S.) 95% of the time.  That means we can prevent diabetes from afflicting 95% of the 57+ million pre-diabetics in the U.S.) So, Defeat Diabetes Foundation is introducing programs that address prevention. So, please make your next tax deductible donation to:  Defeat Diabetes Foundation. For sponsorship and/or advertising on our website:  www.DefeatDiabetes.org   and click on Products & Services to learn our policy(ies).   Remember, What’s worse than finding out you have diabetes? ……..   NOT finding out!!!! To reach me personally with your questions and comments:                            E-mail:  mrdiabetes@DefeatDiabetes.org Good Health. Andy Mandell                                                                                                                   MR. DIABETES®                                          AWARENESS + ACTION = PREVENTION®
UPDATE: July 2008	Monday, August 11, 2008
MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOUR UPDATE :  July, 2008 LOCATION:  Florida Keys (Key Largo), Florida TOTAL MILES:  9713.7 Summer in Florida is a VERY hot & humid place!  The temperatures are consistently (every day!!) in the 90’s and usually over 100 degrees when factoring in the “heat factor”.  And, of course, I’m camped (Florida City) and walking (Florida Keys) in southern Florida – the tropics!!!    Before I continue with this UPDATE, I want to extend a very sincere “thank you and appreciation” to The East Coast Greenway Alliance and its Director, Karen Votava (and her dedicated staff).  My association with them began when I was walking on the Pacific coast.  We maintained contact until we met, personally, when I reached Portland, ME and there began walking this most fantastic pedestrian trail.  This Trail, actually, begins in Calais, ME (by the Canadian border) and goes for 2700 miles down the Atlantic coast to Key West (the most southern point in the U.S.).  I had the pleasure of walking it for select sections, as I often opted to walk other roadways which would give me the most public exposure.   Their work is a continuing effort to add new alternative pathways and to improve upon those already available.  And I, having walked a number of pedestrian trails around the U.S. during the course of THE WALK™,  hope to help link ALL of these “Trails” so that, one day, people will be able to safely walk (bicycle, roller skate/blade, etc.) anywhere in the United States and enjoy its many wonders, as I have seen.  Right now that is not possible. But, one day…………………………….   Okay, now to review the month of July and how I/we (including Tour Managers Shirley & Russ Barriger) got here.  It has been one truly CRAZY month……………………..   Health-wise, I am getting over a minor bronchitis attack.  That means, that although it has been an unhappy reality for that past 3 weeks, it wasn’t full-blown and I was only down for a week, or so.  I really feel like I dodged a bullet.  Yes, I suffer from chronic bronchitis. Typically, I suffer a full-blown bronchitis event every 2 years and they usually occur during the change of seasons:  Fall to Winter or Winter to Spring.  They can last 4-6 weeks to 6 months.  The overall effect is struggling for EVERY breath through clogged and constricted bronchial tubes, unceasing coughing and an inexhaustible amount of sputum.     My last Bronchitis attack was in April, 2006.  I was in Syracuse, NY.  Russ & Shirley were just coming on board as Tour Managers – what an introduction!!  I was able to function during that episode and keep the “down-time” to a minimum due to a new technology I was able to experience.    It was this very same technology that came to my rescue in the Spring of 2004 when I was walking in Montana.  It came to me in the person of the inventor of this extraordinary technology who sacrificed his personal comfort, work schedule, family and expense to drive from Oregon to personally treat me, at no charge simply because he believes in The Walk™.  I had twice been to the local hospital ER to help me.  But, because it is “viral” there wasn’t anything they could do other than prescribe Obuteral for easier breathing. It helps.  Since strict Non-Disclosure Agreement(s) [NDA's] were already executed, (which is why we cannot yet tell you what 'it' is, or exactly who is involved), we began treatment from this new technology, that had me up and walking the next day, vastly reduced coughing and totally unrestricted my breathing so that I could function well. In fact, we did 6 miles of The Walk™, together, the next day.   And, incidentally, this was the second time this man came to treat me.  The first time was on my Winter layover in 2003-4 when I was in Las Vegas.  He drove 12 hours from Oregon, as a humanitarian gesture and with no compensation, not even for expenses, to treat my ever-present Peripheral Neuropathy pain.  This pain is experienced by 70%+/- diabetics and its severity can be extreme.  I was closer to the “extreme”.  Anyway, after 3 one hour treatments he eliminated this pain that had been part of my life for many years.  Of course, it’s a wonderfully effective treatment, not a cure.  But, it has kept that pain out of my life ever since, with only intermittent recurrences.  This technology has also, under strict non-disclosure agreements, during R&D testing, proved effective on dozens of additional medical & health conditions. When this technology is ready for public introduction it will require a doctor’s prescription. The technology has been used in a successful test in one prominent VA hospital – it prevented the impending amputation of both of a specially selected veteran’s legs.  This positive patient case outcome, is also under strict NDA, but fully documented, and the subject of high praise from the veteran, and the hospital's Chief of Vascular Surgery.   Who is this miracle worker?  For the time being, and at his request, I will call him “Thomas”.  And why “Thomas”?  Well, because that’s his name.  All treatments to date have been pre-clinical research tests of the technology, at no cost, completely private, and under strict non-disclosure agreements. This incredible technology is currently being developed to take it out of the R&D and testing stage and made ready for the first commercial availability, which Thomas anticipates will occur in no more than two years.   Stay tuned to the DDF website for future announcements.   Here is a list of the meetings, interviews and talks I gave during July.   ** MAYORS:  Susan Welchel, Boca Raton;  Lois J. Frankel, West Palm Beach;  Jim Naugle & City Commission, Ft. Lauderdale;  Raymond F. Marin, North Miami Beach;  Kevin Burns, North Miami;   Manual A. Diaz & City Commission, Miami.                                                                                                                 **  TV Interviews & Appearances:  WPTV-CH 5 (NBC), Reporter – Jennifer Rivera and intern Brooke Chapman;  WPBF-CH 25 (ABC), Anchors, Meredith McDonough & Bob Kaple;  WBFS-CH 4 & MY33 (CBS), Jim & Jade Show;  GEN-TV – CH 8 (Spanish) & CH 6 (NBC).                                                                                 **  TALKS:  North Miami Chamber of Commerce.  Diabetes Research Institute-Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami, Development Coordinator and Public Affairs & Medical Development – Aimee Siegel-Harris, and Director of Patient Education, Kellie Rodriguez, MSN.                                                          **  MEETING(S):  Diabetes Research Institute-Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami – Researchers:  Juan Dominguez Bendala, MSc, PhD.  & Chris Fraker.                                                                 **  NEWSPAPER Interviews:  The Sebastian HUB, The Jupiter HUB, The Boca News, The Miami Herald.   Other fun activities included dear friend Nancy Gulden of Boca Raton accompanying me as I walked from Pompano Beach to Ft. Lauderdale.  Then, Allen Colton, my friend of many decades who makes his home in Hollywood, FL took me to a lobster dinner which was fit for a king!!    We went to The Lobster House in Sunrise City.  There I had the absolute best lobster dinner I can ever remember having; and that’s coming from a Boston, MA native who grew up on the best of the best lobster dinners.  Thank you, Allen.  And, of course, more conversations with Jim Morningstar, another friend for many decades, who now makes his home in West Palm Beach.  Jim is the man I was brainstorming with when I decided to do THE WALK™.  And, some sad news:  my friend from years ago (1966), Glenn E. Milling, who was in the U.S. Coast Guard with me during Boot Camp had died several years ago (2001).  I learned this from his widow, Carol.  My plan was to walk into the area and surprise Glenn and relive those days that can only be shared with the ones who lived them with you.  I know this to be true in all the military forces. Rest well, my friend.   Also, a bit of “bad news/good news”.  After leaving the Miami Mayor/City Commissioners meeting it was back to walking.  Shirley was walking with me and Russ drove ahead to scout the route.  As Russ was taking a left turn from Rte 1 onto McDonald Blvd.(Miami) he was broadsided by a taxi cab traveling at very high speed. Shirley and I arrived at the scene about   15 minutes later; ambulance, fire dept. and police were already there. The “support vehicle” (Land Rover) suffered heavy damage to the passenger side and required towing to get it back to the campground in Florida City.  At the time of purchase, the main reason for getting the Land Rover was its ability to withstand any kind of collision; and, that it did. The extra steel reinforcement caging of the body was, clearly, the reason Russ walked away from this accident without a scratch. The taxi cab, on the other hand, suffered “demolition” type damage to its front end. No injuries were reported from the cab, although, a passenger (not using seatbelt) was taken to the hospital as a precaution.  As of this writing, the total damage assessment to the “support vehicle” is pending.  I am hopeful it will not be “totaled”, as this vehicle has been serving THE WALK™ for over 9000 miles with only 300 miles of THE WALK™ to go.  That would be the VERY bad news!!  The good news, of course, is that Russ and the folks in the taxi cab were uninjured.    [AN ASIDE:  we have a camcorder mounted on the dashboard of the “support vehicle” and it was “ON”.  It recorded everything from before the accident right up to the point of impact.  I’m not an accident investigator, but it appears to me that Russ drove in a reasonable and safe way and was, simply, at the wrong place at the wrong time.]  We are using a rental car in the meantime.   On the DDF front, excitement is building as THE WALK™ is reaching its final miles - 300+/-.  I still have to walk across the State of Florida, through The Everglades, along Alligator Alley (RTE. 41) to Marco Island & Naples.  Then, it’s up the Gulf coast to a big-time fun-time celebration in Sarasota.  This will be under the BIG TOP sponsored by the Police Athletic League (PAL), and others. It is being organized by Judy Dean of The Finer Places, which is located in Sarasota.  Judy is being assisted by our own Public Outreach Director, Dawn Swidorski.  This event will take place on December 14, 2008.  It will have a parade, demonstrations and many activities for the Family and kids of all ages.    Then, on December 21, I will be walking the absolutely FINAL miles into Madeira Beach.  This is where THE WALK™ began with its first steps on December 1, 2000 from DDF Headquarters.  Here we’re planning a different kind of celebration.  If you’d like to join me for this momentous occasion, you are invited.  That’s right, if you are reading this, you are invited.  However, it will be helpful if you let us know you are coming, so we can plan accordingly.  Judy, Dawn and our DDF staff look forward to hearing from you.  Go to:   www.DefeatDiabetes.org  and “CONTACT US”.  If you don’t hear back from us within a few days, try again, as our high volume of website traffic sometimes has a way of misplacing an e-mail or two.  Also, check our Home Page for updates and announcements of these events. That said, I’m feeling strong, mentally and physically, and am eager to walk the remaining 300+ miles.   This UPDATE has focused on my chronic bronchitis, progress of THE WALK™ and the various activities taking place during it.  But, don’t ignore our many valuable programs:  E-Lerts™ newsletter; Defeat Diabetes® News Service;  MADDCAP™, DefeatDiabetes® CareGiverHelper;  Acsia Insurance;  B-CLEAR energy drink;  and several others, which can be found on the side rails of our over 3500 pages on this website. And, we will soon be adding other products & services helpful to diabetics and those interested in achieving and/or maintaining their good health. Defeat Diabetes Foundation is now finishing its 18th year in existence.  That date will occur in September, 2008 – NEXT MONTH!!  In our non-profit 501(c)(3) capacity we have grown to help people in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  We also have a presence, via the internet, into over 28 countries around the world.  Our programs, which we offer to the world, are free to them and ongoing.  But, they are not free to us.  The cost of raising money to continue to deliver our valuable programs is prohibitive.  But, in these trying times, we are left little choice.  But, YOU can help!!  When you designate a program for your support 100% of that donation (less bank processing fees if you use a Major Credit Card) will go to that program.  Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, which allows for your donation to be tax deductible.  You may donate to any of our programs with VISA, MASTER CARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS.    During my perimeter walk of the United States I have interacted, one-on-one, with tens of thousands of individuals who suffer with diabetes.  These victims require relief NOW, for themselves AND their families.  It is absolutely clear and well recognized by top diabetes researchers and scientists that there WILL NOT be a cure in the next 20-30 years, if then.    But, we know how to prevent future Type 2 diabetes (90% of the total 23+ million diabetics in the U.S.) 95% of the time.  That means we can prevent 95% of the 57+ million pre-diabetics in the U.S.) So, Defeat Diabetes Foundation is introducing programs that address prevention. So, please make your next tax deductible donation to:  Defeat Diabetes Foundation. For sponsorship and/or advertising on our website:  www.DefeatDiabetes.org   and click on Products & Services to learn our policy(ies). Remember, What’s worse than finding out you have diabetes? ……..   NOT finding out!!!! To reach me personally with your questions and comments:                            E-mail:  mrdiabetes@DefeatDiabetes.org Good Health. Andy Mandell                                                                                                                   MR. DIABETES®                                          AWARENESS + ACTION = PREVENTION®