SIKESTON -- Jordan Crawford knows all too well the regimen of a person living with diabetes.
Her daily life consists of checking her glucose levels in the morning, afternoon and evening.
"I also have to check before and during practices and games," said the Sikeston High School sophomore who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 12. "I do not have to avoid any food, but I do have to limit my intake and drink plenty of water, especially when playing sports."
Jordan, who is the daughter of Misti and Steve Crawford of Sikeston, said she also must exercise at least one hour every day when she's not playing sports in school.
Last year the 15-year-old started Sikeston's first Community Walk to Stop Diabetes to bring awareness and raise money for the American Diabetes Association.
"Last year's walk went fantastic," Jordan recalled. "Even with the rain, we were able to raise over $5,000, thanks to donations from businesses and the help of individuals that started teams."
This year the teen hopes to double that amount during the Second Annual Community Walk to Stop Diabetes, which is set for 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 21 at the Sikeston Sports Complex. Registration for the 5K/1K walk/run begins at 9 a.m.
"My hope is that people will understand diabetes better and to know that not every diabetic is the same," Jordan said of how she hopes the walk will affect attendees. "I also hope that it shows others that we don't have to be treated differently and that we are still able to do everything that others do."
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