SEATTLE, May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On Sunday, May 18, over 9,000 runners, walkers and all manner of fleet footed fundraisers in the fight against diabetes gathered at University of Washington's Husky Stadium to participate in the 26th Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes event which benefits the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Contributions from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes are expected to exceed $1 million for diabetes research this year; raising more than $11 million since its inception in 1983.
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"Thanks to the ongoing support of companies like Nordstrom, family teams and individuals, we are able to help fund the best diabetes research worldwide," said Nadine Heichel, executive director of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Northwest. "I look forward to the day when we find a cure that allows the individuals and families affected by diabetes to live without the restraints of this devastating disease."
This year's Beat the Bridge Youth Ambassador, Chloe Bacik looks forward to a cure for diabetes too. Eleven-year-old Chloe and her brother Leighton, 29, both live with type 1 diabetes.
"Looking at me, you would think I'm just a regular everyday kid," Chloe said. "But, I'm not. I have diabetes. For seven years, my family and I have struggled and strived, trying to manage my diabetes. Diabetes has been frustrating, scary, and downright annoying so I'm hoping for a cure real soon."
Approximately 1,000 Nordstrom employees and JDRF supporters volunteered over 5,000 hours this year for the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes events. "We are proud of how committed our employees have been over the past 26 years to Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes," said Brent Harris, Nordstrom executive vice president and regional manager for Washington/Alaska. "Along with the dedication of JDRF, local businesses and the community, everyone involved plays a vital role in raising the funds needed to bring us closer to finding a cure for diabetes."
The Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes competitive 8K is the fourth largest 8K race in the country. Non-competitive events included a Four- mile Family Walk, a One-Mile Fun Run and a Diaper Derby which provided fun for the entire family. Spectators were invited to participate in a variety of activities and entertainment.
Proceeds from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes, including registration fees and pledges, benefit the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Pledges for this year's event will be accepted through June 6 for prize eligibility. Major sponsors of the 2008 event include: Nordstrom, PACCAR, Group Health, Brooks, Wells Fargo, ClearChannel Outdoor, STAR 101.5, KOMO 4 TV, KOMO 1000 Radio and Puget Sound Business Journal.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes-a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. JDRF contributes more money directly to diabetes research than any other non-governmental health agency in the world. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. The Northwest chapter serves people in Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest diabetes resources.
For more information, please visit http://www.jdrfnorthwest.org/, call (800) 925- 5533 or e-mail
Editor's Note: Attached is a list of 2007 Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes 8K race winners.
2007 NORDSTROM BEAT THE BRIDGE 8K RACE WINNERS MEN 1. Mark Mandi Seattle WA 24:21 (2nd consecutive win) 2. Jake Schmitt Seattle, WA 24:36 3. Leif Kohler Issaquah, WA 24:57 4. Travis Boyd Seattle, WA 24:58 5. Jon Hickey Seattle, WA 25:10 6. Chris Ahl Seattle, WA 25:15 7. Eric Garner Woodinville, WA 25:25 8. Brett Winegar Seattle, WA 25:39 9. Ben Mangrum Tacoma, WA 25:48 10. Angleo Baca Seattle, WA 25:56 WOMEN 1. Anca Ilau Vancouver, BC 27:21 2. Jill Hunter Seattle, WA 27:49 3. Mariko Holbrook Cambridge, MA 28:10 4. Gwen Greiner Seattle, WA 28:46 5. Lauren Matthews Seattle, WA 29:19 6. Tori Tyler Los Altos, CA 29:25 7. Sara Donahue Seattle, WA 29:27 8. Jennifer Arthur Seattle, WA 29:43 9. Sally Bergensen Seattle, WA 29:55 10. Rose Wetzel Seattle, WA 29:58 WHEELCHAIR MEN 1. Kaleb Kallappa Vancouver, WA 23:23 WHEELCHAIR WOMEN 1. Susannah Scaroni Spokane, WA 26:42 (2nd consecutive win) CONTACTS: Kendall Ault Nordstrom, Inc. (206) 373-3031 Angie Malpass Porter Novelli (206) 770-7014
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