Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Holman (Sep 05/05) - Holman resident Tony Demerah is off to Hawaii in December for Team Diabetes.

The Diabetes Association of Canada sends a team to the marathon every year.

"Diabetes is a silent killer, and needs to be addressed," said Demerah, who has been living in Kugluktuk and Holman for the last five years.

Running a marathon takes a lot of work. Demerah started training in August and will continue to train until he leaves in December.

"It's difficult because there aren't any paved roads in Holman, so most of my training has been on a treadmill," he said. "I want people in the North to know what diabetes is, and how serious it can be. There just isn't enough information in Holman. I think kids should be taught about it in school as well."

Demerah also helps raise money for the Diabetes Association by promoting the sale of paper snowmen for $2 each.

"So far this year I've put up signs in the Northern Store, and have already raised over $1,000 for the run. The whole community has been very supportive of the cause." he said.