Posted on: Sunday, January 16, 2005

Diabetes impels man to walk around O'ahu

By David Waite
Advertiser Staff Writer

Robert Channel plans to shove off Tuesday or Thursday for his latest trek around O'ahu to raise money for treatment and care of diabetes sufferers in Hawai'i.

Never mind that he has braces on one knee and both hands because of his own battle with the debilitating disease.

"I'm gonna start at Makua and go around Ka'ena Point," said Channel, 68.

From past experiences, he expects the walk to take him about three weeks.

"I'll start walking about 5 a.m. and start looking for a place to sleep just before dusk," Channel said. "When I get tired, I'll hit the beach parks to sleep."

Pepsi and Menehune water have pledged enough fluids to keep him hydrated on what will be his fifth trip around the island to raise money for the fight against diabetes. And Meals on Wheels will make sure he gets fed each day, Channel said.

He first learned he had diabetes when he was 30.

"The doctors told me, 'Exercise or die,' so I chose to exercise. Walking is what keeps me going," Channel said.

After retiring from his job operating a security company, Channel moved in with a daughter and now lives on School Street near Liliha.

His wife and four of their seven children also are diabetics, Channel said.

He said knows that Hawai'i people have big hearts and have dug deep in their pockets to help victims and survivors of the recent Indian Ocean tsunami.

"But I'm asking them, please dig a little deeper and donate to help the diabetes people right here at home," Channel said.

Donations may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, 1500 S. Beretania St. Suite 111, Honolulu, HI 96826.