The Seminole Tribune 14 February 6, 2004Fourth Annual Reserv<strong>at</strong>ion Rally v RallyContinued from page 1Jumper said she has sufferedfrom diabetes for 36 years and back thenthe tribe did not know how severely thisdisease would strike N<strong>at</strong>ive Americans.She said she wanted to serve as an exampleth<strong>at</strong> diet and exercise will preventwh<strong>at</strong> happened to her.“The way the youngpeople are walking and runningtoday, if they do this, Ihope they won’t get diabetesl<strong>at</strong>er,” she said.The enthusiastic 713participants showed up in theearly morning hours to testtheir physical fitness onS<strong>at</strong>urday Jan. 17, enduring theshivering early-morning coldand then swe<strong>at</strong>ing from thesun as it warmed up during therace.Before the racebegan, words of encouragementcame from the tribal represent<strong>at</strong>ivesof each reserv<strong>at</strong>ion.“It is good to havefriendly competition,” saidHollywood TribalRepresent<strong>at</strong>ive Max OsceolaJr. “But, today, it is not justteams from Brighton,Hollywood, Tampa,Immokalee and Big Cypresscompeting against each other.Today we are also teamSeminole.”“You are here toprove something,” he continued.“You are proving we arehere for our health.”Regarding the challenge of theBy Michael KellyBRIGHTON — WahillaDoonkeen, Band Chief for the MikasukiN<strong>at</strong>ion in Oklahoma City, OK said he washighly impressed <strong>at</strong> the 4th Annual RezRally held in Brighton.“I'm taking this event back hometo my band in Oklahoma,” saidDoonkeen. “This is a gre<strong>at</strong> event andthere is no excuse we can't duplic<strong>at</strong>e it.There are approxim<strong>at</strong>ely 1,400 people inour band, and after experiencing thisevent, I would like to challenge each andevery member to particip<strong>at</strong>e. It can bedone.”Doonkeen, a guest of ChairmanMitchell Cypress, met him about threeyears ago and recalled his enthusiasm forbeing healthy. Cypress understands theimportance of diet and exercise and theconsequences of diabetes."My diabetes levels were veryhigh, but with exercise and a proper diet,I've gone from 365 to 165," said Cypress."We need to get the message across nowto our young children about the dangersA Diabetes Prevention Program Study ended their studyearly to report their results to the New England Journal ofMedicine.According to the American Diabetes Associ<strong>at</strong>ion(ADA), by adopting a moder<strong>at</strong>e, consistent diet and exercise program,many people with risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes canstop the disease before it becomes irreversible."Some of the positive effects th<strong>at</strong> physical activity canhave on p<strong>at</strong>ients with Type 2 Diabetes are: Lower obesity r<strong>at</strong>es,race, he brought a laugh to thecrowd when he said: “The lasttime I ran this far, I was chasinggirls.”It was evident thisevent was a family affair with manymoms and dads pushing their babies inthe stroller c<strong>at</strong>egory. Rachel Smith of BigCypress pushed her baby, Julia, in thestroller c<strong>at</strong>egory, while her husband,Mike, and son, Robert, walked.“This is about staying healthy,staying clean, no drugs, no alcohol,”Smith said.Parents set the example bringingtheir older children and doing the rallywith them. Brighton resident M<strong>at</strong>t Gopherwalked in the race as did his two daughters,Shemi and Shay. Gopher said he hadgained weight and this walk was motiv<strong>at</strong>ionfor him to start an exercise programagain.“We have a tribe with a lot ofdiabetes which leads to poor health,”Gopher said.Sisters Lorraine Posada andLenora Roberts competed against eachother as well as the other reserv<strong>at</strong>ions.Susan EtxebarriaAgnes Jumper was determined to complete the three milejourney.Posada placed 3rd in the runner’s division,while Roberts placed 4th.“My sister won last year so Iwanted to keep up with her,” said Posada.“We come from one of the smaller communities;we wanted to put Immokalee onthe Seminole map. I have been practicingall year and it paid off.”Last year’s first place winner,Lalo Rodriguez, representing Brighton,came in second in the race this year. Justahead of him by a few yards for the entireof diabetes."Although Doonkeen is excitedabout bringing the memories of an eventlike the Rez Rally back to her home st<strong>at</strong>e,she realizes there are obstacles.“It's difficult for the CreekN<strong>at</strong>ion and Mikasuki N<strong>at</strong>ion becausethey're so spread out, said Doonkeen.“The Creek N<strong>at</strong>ion is spread over 11counties, while the Mikasuki N<strong>at</strong>ion ismixed in an urban setting,”If there was one element of theRez Rally th<strong>at</strong> impressed the guests ofChairman Cypress was th<strong>at</strong> all the reserv<strong>at</strong>ionsg<strong>at</strong>hered together for such animportant cause.“I'm really impressed with thisevent," said M<strong>at</strong>t Tiger, a Minister fromthe Creek N<strong>at</strong>ion in Oklahoma. “We couldtry to get something like this togetherback home.”Rusty Powell, also a member ofthe Creek N<strong>at</strong>ion and a Deacon, said,“Because we are spread out in 11 counties,it makes it hard to come together likethis, but we've set up health fairs in theAdditional Diabetes Factsrace was first place runner, Jordan Jones,who had placed second in last year’s race.Jones said he did not practice thecourse, but he stays in shape playing basketballduring the year. This tall, lankyninth grader ran the course in 12 minutes,47 seconds. Rodriguez said they switchedplaces this year but he looks forward to2005 when he will try to take back firstplace.No event this largeand successful happens accidentally.Sponsors and organizersstarted planning for thisevent in October. There weremany people involved, butmost important were the teamcaptains of each reserv<strong>at</strong>ionwho worked <strong>at</strong> getting as largea turnout as possible.The captains for BigCypress were: Candy Cypress,C<strong>at</strong>hy Cypress, Cherelee Hall,Vera Herrera, RochelleOsceola, and Clea Billie.Brighton/Tampa: Terry Hahn,P<strong>at</strong>ty Waldron, Amanda Smithand Lonnie Gore. FromHollywood/Ft. Pierce/Trail: BoYoung, Jo North, Holly Tigerand Diane Buster.Immokalee/Naples: DavidBillie and Maria Billie.Sponsors included theChairman and TribalRepresent<strong>at</strong>ives, thePresident’s Office and BoardRepresent<strong>at</strong>ives, the SeminoleTribe Recre<strong>at</strong>ion and HealthDepartment, and Nike, Inc.Numerous volunteers includedthe Seminole PoliceDepartment, SeminoleFire Rescue, and the GladesCounty Emergency MedicalService.Perhaps the closingwords of the master of ceremonies,John Madrigal, said itall.“We went from 620participants last year to 713this year,” he said. “Next year let’s makeit 1,000.”Then he reminded everyone whythey ran, why they walked, and th<strong>at</strong> winningwasn’t the most important thing.“We are glad to see you takingcare of your health,” Madrigal said. “Weare glad you came out. This makes yourheart strong – and th<strong>at</strong> makes the tribestrong. The only way you can lose is bynot showing up.”Guests of Seminole Tribe Impressed by Rez RallyBy Michael KellyBRIGHTON — ConnieWhidden and Suzanne Davis were allsmiles as they saw the huge number oftribal citizens particip<strong>at</strong>ing in the 4thAnnual Rez Rally. Months of hard workand prepar<strong>at</strong>ion paid off as nearly a quarterof the Seminole Tribe of Floridawalked, ran, or strolled their way to betterhealth.“Fitness is for every age andevery level,” said Chairman MitchellCypress. “The Reserv<strong>at</strong>ion Rally representsindividuals, families and communitiescoming together to make a differencein the health of the Tribe. Together we arestronger and every year we get better.”Fitness Director VickyBarogiannis leads the tribe’s efforts inmaking exercise a priority.“We be<strong>at</strong> our total participantnumbers this year. We went from 629 in2003 to 713 people enrolled in the race,”said Connie Whidden, Allied HealthDirector. "It was gre<strong>at</strong> to see so manypeople out to particip<strong>at</strong>e in the RezRally.”Suzanne Davis, Allied ProgramHealth Manager, was pleased to seeeveryone take such a vested interest intheir health.So how important has the RezRally become? Nike, Inc. and Kinko’s arejust two of the sponsors th<strong>at</strong> recognize thegrowing popularity of the Rez Rally.Thanks to Nike, Inc., anyone who completedthe Rally received a voucher for apair of <strong>at</strong>hletic shoes.Dr. Robert H. Sheinberg, footand ankle specialist, was just one of thecommitted professionals available toassist Rally participants with foot issuesand shoe fittings. Dr. Sheinberg stressedth<strong>at</strong> proper foot care is essential for peopleof all ages, especially people with diabetes.“Children should be assessed forfl<strong>at</strong> feet which have been found to be verycommon among N<strong>at</strong>ive American youth,”said Dr. Sheinberg. “Proper orthotics willallevi<strong>at</strong>e future foot problems."While many enjoyed the friendlylaidback <strong>at</strong>mosphere of the rally, someindividuals are taking the competitionseriously.“I heard many people say th<strong>at</strong>they trained for the event,” said Whidden.“This tells me th<strong>at</strong> some people are beginningto take responsibility for their health.It was really good to see all the councilrepresent<strong>at</strong>ives also particip<strong>at</strong>e. I thinkeveryone did a wonderful job <strong>at</strong> workingtogether to organize this event.”“Team effort coming from alldifferent tribal programs makes this eventa success,” added Whidden. “I also wantto thank the team captains from the differentreserv<strong>at</strong>ions who put so much effortinto this.”Davis, along with a host of volunteerswho braved the predawn cold, isalready gearing up for next year's Rally.past and gotten a good response from thecommunity.”“We do hold community eventsand health fairs, but not on this scale,”said Clarence Johnson, of the CreekN<strong>at</strong>ion. “We're starting to implement diabetesawareness events to our community.We'll start small and hope th<strong>at</strong> the eventsgrow like they've done here.”The Rez Rally didn't begin withhundreds of participants four years ago,Chairman Cypress recalled the first rally.“The first year we held the RezRally, we had about 100 people” he said.“This year we have over 700 people. Theevent keeps growing, but I want to set agoal of 1000 people next year."“This event is a gre<strong>at</strong> combin<strong>at</strong>ionof healthy competition, healthy food,and friendship,” Cypress continued. “Ithink a reason for the success of this eventis th<strong>at</strong> people don't want to miss out onthe fun and health. Be healthy and havefun.”Health Department Enjoys "Healthy" Turnout <strong>at</strong> Rez RallyA big thank you to BrightonBuilding and Grounds and Jody Goodmanfor their many efforts to make the 2004Rez Rally a sparkling success.Center for Disease Control andIndian Health Service DiabetesFacts from 2000It has been estim<strong>at</strong>ed th<strong>at</strong> 17million people in the U.S. have diabetes.Diabetes: U.S. popul<strong>at</strong>ion -Approxim<strong>at</strong>ely 6.2%Diabetes: Seminole Tribe ofFlorida - Approxim<strong>at</strong>ely 15%N<strong>at</strong>ionwide cost of diabetes:$3.4 billionU.S. cost in medical expendituresand lost productivity climbedfrom $98 billion in 1997 to $132 billionin 2002 (American DiabetesAssoci<strong>at</strong>ion public<strong>at</strong>ion in March 2003issue of Diabetes Care Magazine)Cardiovascular Disease is theleading killer in diabetes p<strong>at</strong>ients.Research has proven th<strong>at</strong> regular exercisecan prevent or delay the onset ofdiabetes.Regular exercise is anextremely important part of controllingsugar in people with diabetes.For more inform<strong>at</strong>ion on diabetesplease contact your local clinicstaff, health educ<strong>at</strong>or or nutritionist.strengthened heart, stabilized blood sugar, and cells will becomemore responsive to insulin," said Dr. Barry Goldstein, Directorof Endocrinology <strong>at</strong> Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia,PA.He added, "Regular, moder<strong>at</strong>e physical activity clearlyhelps to manage diabetes in those who have it and definitely canprevent it from happening among people <strong>at</strong> high risk for the disease."
The Seminole Tribune 15 February 6, 2004Fourth Annual Reserv<strong>at</strong>ion Rally v2004 Reserv<strong>at</strong>ion Rally WinnersIf you have any questions on the results,please Contact Vicky Barogiannis <strong>at</strong> (954)347-4104Children (12 and Under)Female Runners1st, Nelson, Kayla, BR2nd, Nunez, Destiny, BR3rd, Delarose, La Rissa, Immk4th, Billie, N<strong>at</strong>asha, BC5th, Billie, Shawna, BCChildren (12 and Under)Male Runners1st, Tommie, C<strong>at</strong>len, BC2nd, Randolph, Seth, BR3rd, Tommie, Lavonta, Hlywd4th, Youngblood, Daylon, BR5th, Beardon, William, BRChildren (12 and Under)Female Walkers1st, Osceola, Courtney, Hlywd2nd, Buck, Jewel, BR3rd, Tommie, Jennifer, BR4th, Bowers, Sierra, BC5th, Macelroy, Beth, ImmkChildren (12 and Under)Male Walkers1st, Cypress, Oshanne, BC2nd, Huff, Ty, BR3rd, Hernanadez, Allen, Immk4th, Osceola, Trevor, Hlywd5th, Thomas, Layton, BRJuniors (13 - 17)Female Runners1st, Osceola, Jeanne, BR2nd, Huff, Mary, BR3rd, Smith, Brittany, BR4th, Osceola, Reba, BR5th, Tommie, Monique, HlywdJuniors (13 - 17)Male Runners1st, Jones, Jordan, BR2nd, Madrigal, Garrett, BR3rd, Taylor, Stanley, BR4th, Cypress, Alex, BC5th, Osceola, Lucas, BRJuniors (13 - 17)Female Walkers1st, Osceola, Tasha, Hlywd2nd, Marrero, Lazara, Immk3rd, Osceola, Keyah, BR4th, Osceola, JoJo, Hlywd5th, Sapp, Shamia, HlywdJuniors (13 - 17)Male Walkers1st, Billie, Byron, BC2nd, McCall, Casey, Hlywd3rd , Pumpkin, TJ, BC4th, Osceola, Joseph, Hlywd5th, Pumpkin, Marcus, BCAdult 1 (18 - 35)Female Runners1st, Osceola, Mercedes, Hlywd2nd, Billie, Rebecca, BC3rd, Roberts, Lenora, Immk4th, Posada, Lorriane, Immk5th, Billie, Clea, BCAdult 1 (18 - 35)Male Runners1st, Cypress, Tyrone, BC2nd, Brugh, Cody; Turtle, Adam, BR3rd, Bowers, Wilson, BC4th, Buckly, Clayton, BC5th, Briggs, Marcus, BCAdult 1 (18 - 35)Female Walkers1st, Huff, Jimmie, BR2nd, Brown, Emma, BR3rd, Billie, Tommie, BC4th, Tiger, Holly, Hlywd5th, Tommie, Angela, HlywdAdult 1 (18 - 35)Male Walkers1st, Sander, Gary (Trail), Hlywd2nd, Andrews, Nicolas, BC3rd , Jim, Herbert, Hlywd4th, Koontz, Darren, BR5th, Johns, Todd, BRAdult 2 (36 - 49)Female Runners1st, Lambert, Dee, BR2nd, Madrigal, Sheila, BR3rd, Billie, Almira, BC4th, Buster, Helene, BR5th, Clay, Shirley, BCAdult 2 (36 - 49)Male Runners1st, Hall, Jeremiah, BC2nd, Brown, Avant, BR3rd, Huff, Alan, BR4th, Madrigal, Magoo, BR5th, Johns, Jeff, BRAdult 2 (36 - 49)Female Walkers1st, Bowers, Ana, BC2nd, Madrigal, Mahala, BR3rd, Jones, Rose, BR4th, Braswell, Kay, BR5th, Tiger, Marilyn, BCAdult 2 (36 - 49)Male Walkers1st, Doney, Ken, BR2nd, Osceola, Kevin, BR3rd , Bowers, Richard, BC4th, Braswell, Jay, BR5th, Smith, Tracy, HlywdSeniors (50 - 59)Female Runners1st, Waldron, P<strong>at</strong>ty, BRSeniors (50 - 59)Male Runners1st, Shomo, John, BC2nd, Osceola, Pete Jr., BR3rd, Johns, Billie Joe, BR4th, Bowers, Andy, BR5th, Swe<strong>at</strong>, Buddy, BRSeniors (50 - 59)Female Walkers1st, Bowers, Agnes, BR2nd, Osceola, Louise, BC3rd, Jumper, Lucille, BC4th, Tigertail, Mary, BC5th, Bowers, Wanda, HlywdSeniors (50 - 59)Male Walkers1st, Cypress, Mitchell, BC2nd, Johns, Willie, BR3rd , Bowers, Paul, BC4th, Roberts, Harley, BC5th, Phillip, Jumper, BCSuper Seniors (60 and Up)Female Runners1st, Jones, Martha, BRSuper Seniors (60 and Up)Male Runners1st, Tichener, Terry, BR2nd, Micco, Billy, BRSuper Seniors (60 and Up)Female Walkers1st , McDuffie, Edna TIE, BC1st, Haught, Mabel TIE, BR2nd, Johns, Alma, Hlywd3rd, Jumper, Annie, Hlywd4th, Billie, Louise, BC5th, Tommie, Virginia (Frances), BCSuper Seniors (60 and Up)Male Walkers1st, Johns, Stanlo, BR2nd, Bowers, Dan, BR3rd , Micco, Howard, BR4th, Jumper, Alan, BC5th, Billie, John, BCStroller - Female1st, Youngman, Rita, BR2nd, Jones, Ginger, BR3rd, Thomas, Michelle, BR4th, Smith, Rachel, BC5th, Jumper, K<strong>at</strong>hy, BCStroller - Male1st, Thomas, Jason, BR2nd, Billie, Hunter, BC3rd, Cypress, Roy, BC4th, Stockton, Kassim, BC5th, Bowers, Elrod, HlywdWheelchairBC, Billie, RosieBC, Cypress, LydiaBC, Cypress, TheoBR, Billie, RosieBR, Johns, MaryBR, Jones, HappyBR, Jumper, AgnesBR, Snow, AliceBR, Tommie, JuanitaBR, Tommie, Virginia LeeBR, Villa, JosephineFamily1st, Tina Gore Family, BR2nd , Rosie Billie, BC3rd , Elsie Smith, BREmployee (Adults Only)Female Runners1st, Brown, Niki, BR2nd, Burges, Mika, Hlywd3rd, Moncada, Maria, Hlywd4th, Brown, Sherrelle, Hlywd5th, Silva, Caridad, HlywdEmployee (Adults Only)Male Runners1st, Rodriquez, Lalo, BR2nd, Mavroides, Chris, BR3rd, Brown, Jamie, BR4th, Silva, Mario, Hlywd5th, Pearce, Levi, BREmployee (Adults Only)Female Walkers1st, Curry, Rushelle, BC2nd, Reis, Trisha, BC3rd, Molina, Dailia, BC4th, Parrish, Tamara, BC5th, Olitzky, Mary, HlywdEmployee (Adults Only)Male Walkers1st, Bayon, Kenny, Hlywd2nd, Whiddon, Brian, BR3rd , Y<strong>at</strong>es, Keith, BR4th, Clough, Carter, BC5th , Redd, Eddie, BC
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