Walk on the Capitol—2008

A Capitol Effort—A Walk with a Message

On June 17, 2008, thousands of walkers congregated on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the largest Bariatric Surgery Foundation Walk from Obesity. Elizabeth Goldenberg, MPH, RD, nutritionist at Weill-Cornell Weight Loss Center and Walk from Obesity event planner and supporter, shares this memorable day with the readers of Bariatric Times…

On a gorgeous early summer evening this past June, thousands of us gathered to make a statement to our country. We collectively shared our message on the National Mall in Washington, DC, drawing attention to the disease of obesity. There have been local Walks from Obesity to raise money and increase awareness of this devastating disease for the past six years. There are approximately 70 annual Walks that have raised close to $2.3 million to support the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation, its research, and its professional education initiatives, as well as the patient and general public educational and advocacy programs of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).

The Walk in DC was the first in our nation’s capitol, and it was the largest of its kind. The special guest speaker for the event was Caitlin Van Zandt, television star of Guiding Light and The Sopranos, who discussed her own personal battle with obesity and shared her deep concern for all those affected by the disease. Also addressing the huge crowd that evening was Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., OAC President and CEO and ASMBS Foundation Executive Director.

Overall, it was a moving experience for everyone who attended, with people spending time with friends old and new, family, patients, and healthcare providers from the US, Canada, and even Australia. As we circled the Mall, we admired the massive white historical building that was our backdrop to the many conversations of journey, triumph, and hope. We urge that our message be heard both by those that are affected and those that can affect the future of this disease.

To find out more about the Walk from Obesity and to find the Walk nearest you, visit:

www.walkfromobesity.com

Category: Past Articles, Symposium Synopsis