Lions Rockin’ Walk-A-Thon returns March 28 to support diabetes awareness
The Lions’ annual Rockin’ Walk-A-Thon is set to return Saturday, March 28, at the Kinston Community Center, continuing a local effort that has raised money for diabetes awareness, camp scholarships and patient assistance in Lenoir County. Organizers with Lions Industries for the Blind asked Neuse News to help spread the word ahead of this year’s event.
Previous Neuse News coverage shows the walk-a-thon has become a recurring community event tied to Lions’ diabetes outreach in Kinston. The event began in 2017 and has brought together local partners over the years, including the Kinston Community Center, Lions Industries for the Blind, UNC Lenoir and local Lions clubs, to raise awareness and connect families with information and support.
The fundraiser has helped send children with Type 1 diabetes to Camp Needles in the Pines, a specialized summer camp that gives campers a chance to learn how to manage their condition while enjoying a traditional camp experience. In 2025, organizer Sharon Axelberg said the event had helped send 32 children to camp, with scholarships covering the family cost.
Beyond camp support, proceeds have also been used to provide direct help to local diabetes patients. Prior reporting noted the effort offers $200 scholarships to qualifying Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients for medical needs, and has also helped school nurses secure supplies for students with diabetes.
Axelberg, executive director of Lions Industries for the Blind and a longtime diabetes advocate, has previously described the event as both a fundraiser and an education effort. Past walk-a-thons have included health information, community partners, family activities and opportunities for residents to learn more about diabetes prevention and management.
This year’s event is scheduled for March 28 at the Kinston Community Center. Organizers say the walk-a-thon again will focus on building awareness and support for diabetes patients in the community. Additional updated event details were not publicly confirmed in the sources reviewed.
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