Growing up, I was the fat kid who couldn't run a mile to save her life. Now, I'm walking 750 miles to do just that, and I'm working to inspire others in the process.

For five months starting in January, I will walk 750 miles through California to raise diabetes awareness and prevention in middle school students. Along the route, our team will conduct free workshops in middle schools to promote healthy habits and to inspire the students by our example.

The Walk started as an idea last year. Through the effort of a talented team and the enthusiasm of the schools and communities across California, we are well on our way to reaching 10,000+ students during the five-month walk.

It's been amazing to take the Walk from an idea through realization. In my work as a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, I was exposed to the devastating future outlook of diabetes and obesity. Seeing my own high risk, I realized that I needed to change. In the process, I had the opportunity to inspire others. From this revelation, the idea of the Walk was born, and now I'm three months into a year-long sabbatical from my "day job" to walk the walk of diabetes prevention.

Thanks goes to everyone who has made this dream possible!

For more information, visit our website: www.cawellnesswalk.com.