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

A young mother in Chisasibi, Que., who's at risk of becoming diabetic, plans on putting an extra challenge into a five-kilometre walk this weekend — her 30-pound baby. 

Kristin Sam will be walking in "Just Sook It," a run or walk event along the 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. She wants to stay active to prevent health problems in the future.

"I don't want to be on the list of 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."

Sam will walk five kilometres with her daughter on her back. Eileah-Jenni just turned nine months 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 family and socialize."

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

• 1K and 5K
  • Meet at band office at 10:30 a.m
  • Event starts at 11 a.m.
• 10K and 21K
  • Meet at band office at 8:30 a.m
  • Event starts at 9 a.m.

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

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