The 7th annual "Stride to Fight Diabetes Walk-A-Thon," was an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for those affected by diabetes. Organized by a local non-profit committee "Lions Making Strides 2 Fight Diabetes," the event was a collaborative effort involving several key community partners, including the Kinston Host Lions Club, Kinston Community Center, Lions Industries for the Blind, Inc., UNC-Lenoir, and Southwood Memorial Christian Church.

The event boasted a wide array of sponsors, from local businesses like the Food Farm and West Without Borders to healthcare providers such as Kinston Dental Associates and the UNC-Lenoir health system. These sponsors played a crucial role in ensuring the event's success and enabling the community to offer substantial support to those affected by diabetes.

Vendors at the Walk-A-Thon included a diverse group from the health and wellness sector, such as the Lenoir County Health Department, Kinston Community Health Center, and UNC-Lenoir's various departments focusing on bariatric, diabetes/nutrition, and cardiac rehab. Educational and recreational activities for children and adults were plentiful, featuring a DJ from Eastern Entertainment, face-painting, Easter projects, and corn hole games, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.

The event, which was free to the public, encouraged participants to form teams or come as families to walk or "rock" in solidarity with those affected by diabetes. The goal was not just to raise funds but also to foster community support and education about the disease. .

Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon are earmarked for several critical initiatives, including sending children to diabetes camp, providing $200 scholarships to adult and child diabetes patients every six months, and supplying school nurses with debit cards to purchase necessary supplies for their diabetic students. These efforts underline the community's commitment to not only supporting those affected by diabetes but also to educating and preventing the disease where possible.