About two years ago, a former UF student was getting ready for not only a new school year but also a position as a chaplain in her Christian sorority. But preparations came to a standstill on Aug. 21, 2011.
Amy Lakatos, a 20-year-old health education and behavior junior, passed away in her sleep. To honor Lakatos, the UF chapter of Sigma Phi Lambda is putting on the first Amy’s 5K for Diabetes, which will take place at 8 a.m. Sunday on Flavet Field.
Lindsey Jorris, secretary of Sigma Phi Lambda, said the sorority chose to do the race because of Lakatos’ active nature.
“She was very active, and she loved outdoorsy stuff,” the 21-year-old UF psychology senior said.
The race will take “the boot” route, Jorris said. Racers will begin at Flavet Field, wind their way around Lake Alice and finish back at Flavet Field.
She said Gatorade and water will be available to the runners before the race and halfway through it. Fruit platters and drinks will be provided at the end.
The reasons for Lakatos’ death are unknown, but her dedication to helping children like herself, who had Type 1 diabetes, is the moving force of this race, Jorris said. The event will be raising money for the Florida Diabetes Camp, where Lakatos volunteered.
Type 1 diabetes prevents an individual’s pancreas from making insulin, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s website.
Erica Kearney, a 20-year-old UF nursing junior and chairwoman for the race, said Lakatos was the first person she met about her age who, like Kearney, also had diabetes.
“The way she monitored herself inspired me to be more like that,” she said. “It was really cool to have her as a mentor to look up to.”
To participate in the race, people can pre-register until the day of the event for $15 by searching Amy’s 5K for Diabetes on Facebook, or they can register the day of the run by 7 a.m.
