Martin Marietta Materials Southwest Division was the presenting sponsor for the 13th Annual America's Walk for Diabetes in San Antonio. The October 4th event was organized by the local American Diabetes Association (ADA) chapter and raised $170,000 for diabetes research and advocacy. More than 3,000 San Antonians participated.

"We are proud to have been part of such an important event," said Larry Roberts, Martin Marietta's Vice President, San Antonio District. "Many of our employees are either directly or indirectly affected by diabetes, so this is a cause they really embrace. We have a terrific group of people who worked very hard and did a great job in making the event a success."

This was the second year that Martin Marietta served as the local presenting sponsor.

"Thanks to the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of our walkers, volunteers and sponsors, America's Walk for Diabetes was a resounding success," said Ken Applegate, San Antonio Chapter ADA Council Chairman. "The money they raised will help fund research to find a cure and programs to improve the lives of people with diabetes."

Nearly 17 million Americans - including 137,000 San Antonians - have diabetes. And while an estimated 11.1 million Americans have been diagnosed, still 5.9 million people are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes is the fifth deadliest disease in America, killing more people than AIDS or breast cancer. More than 210,000 Americans each year will die from its complications.

The ADA is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the association has offices in every region of the country, providing services in more than 800 communities. To date, more than $200 million has been raised for diabetes research.