Independence Day Run Returns

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announces the return of the Independence Day Run, held just before the start of the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade. 
 
The 5K race has not been held since 2019 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of the run marks its 35th year. 
 
"We're excited to announce the return of this Fourth of July holiday tradition," said Darlene Rodowicz, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. "For over three decades the Independence Day Run has drawn thousands of impassioned runners and weekend warriors from the Berkshires and far beyond to kick-off the parade with a focus on community health and wellness. We are proud to be able to host this wonderful event again in 2022."
 
The family-friendly 5K run, which begins at 9:15 am on July 4, is sponsored by Berkshire Health Systems, Independent Connections and Proper Connections. The cost is $18 per runner for those 17 and older, and $15 per runner up to the age of 16. 
 
The race starts on Wahconah Street near Mohawk Street to North Street, turns back on North Street at the intersection with East Housatonic Street and back to Wahconah Street, ending at Wahconah Park. 
 
Online registration is required, with a deadline of Sunday, July 3 at 12 noon. To register, visit tinyurl.com/bhsrace

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Youngsters Promote National Diabetes Awareness Month in Hinsdale

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff

The water bottles decorated with stickers promoting Diabetes Awareness Month and bracelets that the youngsters acquired for two school personnel with diabetes.
HINSDALE, Mass. — According to the American Diabetes Association, two Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every minute.
 
At Kittredge Elementary School, two youngsters are fighting back.
 
Fourth-grader Nelson Pelkey and his cousin, fifth-grader Emily Ham, each have Type 1 diabetes, a condition formerly known as juvenile diabetes.
 
On Friday, they marked the beginning of National Diabetes Awareness Month by distributing water bottles with stickers calling attention to diabetes to every child in the school.
 
Nelson's dad Jesse said this week that standing up to diabetes is nothing new for his son, who was diagnosed in the summer of 2021.
 
"The very first day he was diagnosed at age 6, he wouldn't let us do a finger stick on him," Jesse said. "The doctor showed how and he did it himself.
 
"He's taken the helm of it. He has the Dexcom and the pump and all of that. He knows when to do what he needs to do or how to program the machines. Emily is the same way."
 
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