"I've been here five months and I've noticed a problem," Hodge said. "All over the world, people know Africa has a problem with HIV/AIDS, but they don't seem to realize that diabetes is equally a problem." The Diabetes South Africa organization concurs, reporting that diabetes is running neck and neck with HIV/AIDS in terms of numbers of patients. One in five people older than age 35 in South Africa is reported to have Type 2 diabetes. With that information in mind, Hodge decided to do some fundraising on his own by doing what he calls a Hike for Health. "When my stint with the Corps is complete in 2012, I plan to embark on a 48-day hike on a trail here in South Africa that is still being built," Hodge said. The trail, called "Rim of Africa," is located at the southern-most tip of Africa and will be comprised of 650 kilometers of mountain hiking paths. When complete, it will be Africa's first long-distance hiking trail, similar to the Continental Divide or Appalachian trails in the U.S. Hodge hopes to receive monetary pledges for his hike and already is accepting donations through PayPal. And by raising funds he hopes to generate a new awareness of the issue of diabetes in South Africa.
Peace Corps volunteer Andrew Hodge is starting a Hike for Health to help raise money for the fight to help fight diabetes in South Africa
Former Dubuquer takes on diabetes in South Africa
Peace Corps member is starting a Hike for Health to help raise money for the fight.
BY KURT ULLRICH TH STAFF WRITER
Former Dubuque resident Andrew Hodge wants to help fight diabetes in South Africa.
The 2005 Hempstead High School and 2009 University of Dubuque graduate joined the Peace Corps. He is assigned to a South African village called Madadeni, where he soon will begin teaching English and economics at a local secondary school.
The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by Congress as a vehicle by which the United States felt it could promote world peace and friendship by sending qualified volunteers to areas of the world that needed assistance. More than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 countries since 1961.
"I've been here five months and I've noticed a problem," Hodge said. "All over the world, people know Africa has a problem with HIV/AIDS, but they don't seem to realize that diabetes is equally a problem."
The Diabetes South Africa organization concurs, reporting that diabetes is running neck and neck with HIV/AIDS in terms of numbers of patients. One in five people older than age 35 in South Africa is reported to have Type 2 diabetes.
With that information in mind, Hodge decided to do some fundraising on his own by doing what he calls a Hike for Health.
"When my stint with the Corps is complete in 2012, I plan to embark on a 48-day hike on a trail here in South Africa that is still being built," Hodge said.
The trail, called "Rim of Africa," is located at the southern-most tip of Africa and will be comprised of 650 kilometers of mountain hiking paths. When complete, it will be Africa's first long-distance hiking trail, similar to the Continental Divide or Appalachian trails in the U.S.
Hodge hopes to receive monetary pledges for his hike and already is accepting donations through PayPal. And by raising funds he hopes to generate a new awareness of the issue of diabetes in South Africa.
"I think by setting off on this huge hike I can set a positive example for people to live by and at the same time simply raise awareness. Any money above and beyond the actual cost of the hike will go to a South African diabetes organization," Hodge continued.
Information on Hodge's Hike for Health is also available on his Facebook page and accessible at www.facebook.com/pages/Hike-for-Health/17082154961 4686.
"By leading healthy lifestyles, people around the world will have the opportunity to live better lives," Hodge said. "Before I was born, my aunt passed away due to the effects of diabetes. She didn't have a choice. Now we do."
