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Join JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes Nov. 12 by Sarah McLaughlin Public Relations The Walk to Cure Diabetes will offer the Charleston community an opportunity to contribute to  finding a cure for the disease.   Among those joining the walk on Saturday, Nov 12, is Suzanne Runtz, MUSC registered dietetian and captain of the MUSC Children’s Hospital team. The team's goal is to raise $4,000. Runtz recently accepted the nomination of vice president of the Low Country Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the non-profit organization sponsoring the fundraising event.   “After working in this field for several years, I have become very passionate about the fight against diabetes and finding a cure for these kids,” said Runtz.   Runtz works primarily with children with diabetes, volunteers to help run a summer camp for children with diabetes, and assists with a diabetes teen support group. The Walk to Cure Diabetes is one way she hopes others will help support her cause.   The Low Country Chapter’s Walk to Cure Diabetes is one of many JDRF walks held in more than 250 cities worldwide. About 500,000 people participated last year in the United States, and 600,000 are expected this year. The JDRF walks raised more than $75 million last year, and are expecting to raise $80 million this year.   JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate for those with type 1 diabetes, which is diagnosed in children and makes them insulin-dependent for life. They are also always at risk for devastating complications such as kidney failure, amputation, heart attack, and stroke.   The Walk to Cure Diabetes will take place at the Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, starting with an 8 a.m. check-in. Those interested in registering as individuals or teams may do so at http://www.jdrf.org or by calling the Low Country Chapter at 763-1973.   Donations to support the MUSC Children’s Hospital team should be mailed by Nov. 10 to JDRF Low Country Chapter, 4 Carriage Lane, Suite 205, Charleston, SC 29407, or can be sent online to http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=86240059.   Additional questions or comments may be e-mailed to Runtz at runtzsm@musc.edu .  Walk to Cure Diabetes What: 5K Walk When: 8 a.m. check-in, Nov. 12 Where: Palmetto Islands County Park, Mount Pleasant Who: Individuals and teams How: Register on-line at http://www.jdrf.org or call the Low Country Chapter at 763-1973 Why: Money raised will fund research leading to cures for millions of people  with diabetes, a large percentage of them children. Friday, Nov. 4, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.