Published: June 16, 2009 08:26 pm      

Passing through Mt. Vernon

Erik Bendl of Louisville, Ky., continues his journey to raise awareness for diabetes as his companion, Nice, searches for frogs in Mt. Vernon on Tuesday afternoon. Bendl’s grandmother and mother, former Kentucky state representative Gerta Bendl, passed away from the disease, and his uncle, now 82 years old, has had diabetes for more than 40 years. Bendl has walked with the globe during 5K walks, parades and during personal walks, including his current trip to Kansas City that he intends to complete by August. “My message is if you can take care of yourself, you can control diabetes or keep it from happening,” Bendl said. Funds raised along the way will go toward the American Diabetes Association and more information may be found by visiting www.worldguy.org. VANESSA WELCH/REGISTER-NEWS