Awareness was at the forefront yesterday, as people from all over southern Alberta participated in the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes at Stanley Park.

The walk is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) largest fundraiser, and this year had 2,500 walkers attempting to raise $400,000 dollars here in Calgary and $17 million nationally.

“This event is about the kids who have juvenile diabetes, who have been diagnosed with something they don’t need or want, and we’re here to find a cure for it,” said Corey McKeown, regional manager of the JDRF in southern Alberta.

He added that he was very impressed with the turnout and was happy to see so many smiling people come support the cause.

Judy Perkins, who walked today with her dog, Seeker, raised $485 to support her great-nephew, who was just diagnosed with diabetes.

“This disease could hit anyone at any time, and it’s important to create awareness to try to find the cure for this,” she said.