The money raised helps the Diabetes Foundation serve low-income, uninsured and underinsured people with diabetes. Watch video
FORT LEE -- Anita Venogopal knows firsthand the challenges that diabetes can bring to those affected.
Her mom is diabetic, and she's pre-diabetic, so she's learned the ins and outs of managing the disease.
"I know it's not easy," she said. "There's still so much that needs to be done for this community."
That knowledge brought her and her family from Edgewater to Fort Lee on Sunday morning to "Run the Palisades" as a fundraiser for the Paramus-based Diabetes Foundation.
They were joined by more than 400 other people who ran in a 5K, a 10K or a Kids' Fun Run that wove through Fort Lee and Cliffside Park.
Some ran in honor of relatives facing the disease, which is characterized by high blood sugar levels because the pancreas isn't producing enough insulin or the body's cells are not responding properly to the insulin produced.
Others ran for the exercise, some fresh air or the sheer fun of it.
All contributed to the Diabetes Foundation's mission of serving low-income, uninsured and underinsured New Jersey kids and adults with diabetes.
The eight-year-old race originated in collaboration with the late mayor of Cliffside Park, as well as Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich. Now, current Cliffside Park Mayor Thomas Calabrese, who has diabetes, participates in the race each year.
Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati. Find NJ.com on Facebook.