Friday, November 6, 2026
“One time we went to a walk in Eisenhower Park, and I got inspired to do it in Long Beach,” explained Long Beach resident, nine-year-old Emma Moran. “I know some adults that have [diabetes]. And kids. So it got me inspired to do something for adults and kids.” Moran, who attends fourth grade at West Elementary School, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 18-months-old.
Emma’s mother, Tricia, said the walk, which kicked on kicked off last Sunday from Salty’s Surf Shack on New York Avenue and spanned just over two miles to Nolan’s Pub on East Park Avenue, serves a dual-purpose. The community event raises awareness of Type 1 diabetes — which is acknowledged nationally every November as National Diabetes Awareness Month.
Donations were also raised which will go toward creating an educational book, to be distributed to the library and local schools, teaching children about diabetes, health management and nutrition in terms they can understand at a young age. “She knows exactly what to do and how to do it,” Emma’s mother said. “But, being a kid, just like telling her you have to brush your teeth and get dressed. She knows to do it. Sometimes she’s on top of it. Sometimes, I’m sure she’s sneaking things and not telling me. But she is very independent. She’s amazing.”
The Moran family has owned Nolan’s Pub for more than 40 years, and has hosted an annual fall festival, which coincided with the conclusion of the walk. The event turned into a community call-to-action, with diabetic individuals, family and supportive friends turning up for the occasion for camaraderie and support.
“You should have Gatorade on you. Have a granola bar on you,” Joseph Sheridan, 30, of East Rockaway suggested, after nearly two decades as a Type 1 diabetic. “Make sure people around you at least you’re diabetic in case something happens.” Sheridan was diagnosed at age 12 and monitored the disease using what he calls “old school” methods including finger prick blood testing to steadily track his blood glucose throughout the day. Roughly two weeks ago, he received a continuous glucose monitor attached to his arm. “[Emma] is teaching me more than anything,” Sheridan explained, referring to Moran’s lifelong experience. “She is more familiar with everything.”
