High school student organizes Charity Walk to Prevent Obesity

WILMINGTON — Whether it’s politics, the environment or health, there are likely issues important to you. But do you actually take steps to change the problem? One local high school student is taking on the country’s obesity epidemic.

For Heather Barnes her high school senior project isn’t just about school work.

Barnes said, “My mom used to be overweight. She lost a lot of weight. It was hard to see her like that and a lot of people make fun of people who are obese and it really hurt to see my mom like that.”

She hopes her Charity Walk to Prevent Obesity will raise awareness and prevent others from going through what her mom did.

Barnes said, “Obesity is a disease just like any disease, and you wouldn’t make fun of people who were dieing of heart disease or diabetes, so why would you make fun of someone who’s obese?”

Heather will consider the walk a success as long as 20 people come out to participate.

“I’m asking for a dollar admittance fee that way everyone gets a chance to donate something. If you want to donate a little bit more that’s fine. Everything’s going to the American Heart Association.”

Barnes designed shirts for everyone working in the obesity prevention walk and she also made brown obesity support ribbons for everyone who’s participating in the walk.
The walk is almost three miles but people can go as far as they want. Barnes just wants others support an important cause

“I hope that this informs more people, and it helps more people want to change, and it helps other people change, so we don’t have such a big problem of obesity, so it doesn’t kill more people.”

If you would like to take part in the Charity Walk to Prevent Obesity just go to Hugh MacRae Park Saturday at three p.m. Participants should meet at shelter 3.