Boy, 6, to Preside Over Diabetes Walk

A 6-year-old Oxnard boy has been named honorary chairman of the local American Diabetes Assn.’s largest fund-raising event.

Nicholas Ramirez, an insulin-dependent diabetic, will preside over Walktoberfest, a 10-kilometer walk that raises money to help people who are affected by the disease, organizers said. Last year’s event raised about $15,000.

Ramirez, who requires four insulin injections per day to keep his blood sugar in check, was diagnosed with the disease after he spent six days in the hospital for high blood sugar. Learning to manage his diabetes has become a family project that involves his parents and two brothers.

Walktoberfest will take place Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at San Buenaventura State Beach.

This year’s event will feature reggae band Ya Man.

For information, or to sign up as a walker, sponsor or volunteer, call the Ventura County chapter of the American Diabetes Foundation at (800) 254-9255.