FROM STAFF REPORTS

During American Diabetes Month this November, Briana Kinsey invited local teens to take action and join the millions in the fight to stop diabetes through dance in the fifth annual Dance Away Diabetes Event to support the American Diabetes Association.

On Nov. 15, over 150-plus energetic and talented teens from the following dance teams participated in an exhibition of their dance routines from 1-5 p.m. at the Riverchase Galleria: Dream Makers Dancers of Columbiana, Corky Bell Dancing Diamonds of Alabaster, Hoover Buccanettes, Spain Park Dazzlers, Dale Serano and Jackie Lockhart Performing Arts Institute.

The fans, family and friends of the various dance teams voted for each of the teams as the People’s Choice.

The dance team which had the most fan support was the Dream Makers Studio Dance Team under the direction of Jenny Lespi.

This is the third year that this company has won the No. 1 Dance Teams to Dance Away Diabetes.

According to Lespi, several of members of her family including her mother, son and one of the teachers at the school have suffered from diabetes, and the dance company feels strongly about eradicating the disease.

All of the participants and audience were encouraged to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which included eating healthy and participating in a regular exercise program such as dance.

Nearly 29 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes, including over 12 percent of people in Alabama.

Alabama ranks as one of top five states in the nation for the prevalence of diabetes. An additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

Thousands of persons are unaware they have the disease. Kinsey, a recent graduate of the University of Alabama, began Daring to Defeat Diabetes as her platform in 2011 and the Dance Away Diabetes was her idea to help teens get involved the movement to stop diabetes.

“As a community, we need to do everything we can to end this disease. We are asking everyone to help stop diabetes, whether it is by attending this event or getting involved in other ways,” she said.

Over $10,000 has been raised through this event through the years, and all proceeds go directly to the American Diabetes Association. According to Kinsey, “This money will go toward research and treatment of diabetes,” Kinsey said. “Right now there is no cure, but we hope that one will be forthcoming to combat this chronic disease.”