Ollie the Dog

Top Dog Steps out to Raise Money for Diabetes

Ollie the Dog enjoys walking and looks cute doing it. That’s, in part, why Dr. John Buse, President of Medicine & Science on the board of the American Diabetes Association, enlisted Ollie as his exercise partner during his local Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes event, last October.

It was a request Ollie couldn’t refuse. Although he couldn’t say so, he was clearly excited to take part.

John thought it would be fun to engage in a friendly competition with Ollie to see who could raise more money for the cause. John set up Ollie’s fundraising walk page online where donors could contribute to his campaign to fight for a cure for diabetes.

John recognized early on that Ollie had a firmly established fan base, because of his enthusiasm and tail-wagging, but it didn’t seem to faze him. “My wife says he is much cuter. I’ll admit he’s more fit,” he said.

Ollie wasn’t able to beat John in his fundraising efforts — this year. However, Ollie held his own and surpassed his goal of $5,000 while John surpassed his own $20,000 goal.

“Ollie’s no slouch when it comes to participation,” John said. “Ollie is a die-hard walker, particularly for the ADA.”

Ollie and John are part of the UNC team in Raleigh, N.C. that joined walking fundraising forces with Camp Carolina Trails, one of the many American Diabetes Association Camps for children with diabetes.

Every fall approximately 200 cities across the nation participate in the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes.

Recruit your own furry friend or family member and check out http://stepout.diabetes.org.