Cree mom plans to fight diabetes by staying active - with her daughter on her back

A youngmother inChisasibi,Que.,who'sat risk of becoming diabetic,plans on putting an extra challengeinto a five-kilometre walk this weekend her 30-pound baby.

Kristin Samwill be walking in "Just Sook It," a run or walk event alongthe James Bay coast, 1,400 kilometres north of Montreal."Sook" means "go" or "try hard" in Cree, something Sam says she needs to do.

Sam recently found out she is borderline diabetic. Shewants to stay active to prevent health problems in the future.

"I don't want to be on thelistof people who have diabetes," Sam said.

"I don't want to depend on medication throughout my life and I don't want to be on dialysis. I was scared when I was told about these kinds of complications."

Samwill walk five kilometreswith her daughter on her back.Eileah-Jennijust turned ninemonths old and weighs about 30 pounds.

Sam says so far, four other mothers will be walking alongside her with their babies.

"Young mothers often stay indoors most of the time with their babies," Sam said.

"This is an opportunity for us mothers to get involved in activities with the whole familyand socialize."

People can run or walk the event on Saturdayand are encouraged to do it at their own pace.

• 1Kand 5K
  • Meet at band office at 10:30 a.m
  • Eventstartsat 11 a.m.
• 10Kand 21K
  • Meet at band office at8:30 a.m
  • Event startsat9 a.m.

Though the event isn't a race, participants can win prizes such asamountain bike, gift cards, fitness-centre memberships and sports equipment.

The run or walk will end with a healthy feast around noonSaturday.