Burbank resident’s 14-mile trek aims to promote healthy living

In December 2012, Burbank resident Ron Irwin went into cardiac arrest, but he survived the traumatic experience.

Doctors told Irwin’s family that the diabetic prostate-cancer patient, who weighed 285 pounds, would need to be put in a home and that he would never walk again.

“That sparked the former Marine in me to go, ‘Screw you,’” he said.

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Irwin, who will turn 71 years old on Saturday, recognized that he would not survive another cardiac arrest if he did not turn his life around.

And so he did. He cut out fatty foods, started eating healthier and began walking more. More than three years later, Irwin now weighs about 170 pounds, has his diabetes under control and his prostate cancer is in remission.

To prove that not only he can get back on the right path, Irwin is hosting a hike from Burbank to Hollywood on Saturday to raise awareness about obesity, heart failure and diabetes.

The roughly 14-mile walk — from near Tommy’s at 1310 N. San Fernando Road in Burbank to the W Hotel in Hollywood — will start at about 8 a.m.

Irwin said he’ll be joined by former Disney Mouseketeer Johnny Crawford, radio talk show host Ellis B. Martin and actress and producer Kim Kopf.

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Irwin said he walks about 10 miles each day and believes another 4 miles should not be too difficult.

“I’m trying to show people two things: if you’re obese, it’s not a fashion statement and it’s deadly; and to show that because you’re a senior, [it] doesn’t mean you can’t walk around and do things,” he said. “I’m trying to inspire by example because I would rather see my children, grandchildren and friends not have to go through the crap I went through.”

Irwin organized a similar walk last year, but it did not draw the participation that he was expecting. However, he decided to organize another event this year because it doesn’t matter how many people are there, he just wants to get the word out.

“We’re going to do this every year until I have to be dragged out in the wagon,” he said. “Hopefully, I’m looking to do this for another 10 years.”

If you are interested in walking with Irwin, email him at drcommunicator@gmail.com.

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Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com

Twitter: @acocarpio

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