DUCK Fiabetes is a group of individuals that have gathered together to help raise awareness about Diabetes, specifically as a walk team for the annual “Step Out to Fight Diabetes” Walk in Dallas / Fort Worth.

Founded by Brad Koettel – the official Diabetec of the group – the team was officially known as “Team BLUTZUKER” (a rough translation of Blood Sugar in German) and quickly grew to include his immediate family and close friends in 2006.  The first team consisted mainly of Gary and Jose Koettel (Parents), Jeff Koettel (Brother) and Jeff and Allison Reed (sister and brother in law).  Their first Step Out Walk was with the Fort Worth group, in which the family raised just over $2000 total for the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

In 2007, the fund raising efforts of the team grew to include some close friends of the family and supporters.  The team remained “Team BLUTZUKER” for the second consective year, and raised over $3000 with the addition of some new team members help.  It was during this walk around the American Airlines Center in Dallas when Jeff Reed, brother in law to Brad, humorously commented that we should change our name to “DUCK Fiabetes.”  Although there is obviously a play on words… the name would stick and be adopted in 2008 not only as a team name, but a mantra to our efforts to raise awareness and funds.

2008 was a banner year for DUCK Fiabetes.  The team has now grown to over 30 members, and has developed a year long strategy to raise funds and awareness.  This new enthusiasm behind “DUCK Fiabetes” now has us designing tee shirts for sale online, and an awareness campaign that not only landed the team in several local papers, but also on local television (the Gordon Keith Show).  The new team members that come on board from the local television and radio broadcasts help raise fund dramatically… and over $6000 is raised at the last minute to help double the previous years fundraising.

Going forward… 2009 is in planning today.  This year looks to include a golf tournament in which we’d like to raise over $5000 in one event.  We’ll continue to get team members involved with other events like a softball and volleyball tournament, tee shirts sales, and good old fashioned fund raising techniques.  Economically… it’s a rough year but we have high expectations.

Thanks again for your support!