Independence Blue Cross Gears Up to Step Out

PHILADELPHIA, May 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In April, Independence
Blue Cross (IBC) marked the company's fifth-year presenting sponsorship
of Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association's
community fundraising event, by hosting a corporate kick off breakfast
for the region's business leaders. American Diabetes Association (ADA)
representatives and other guest speakers urged local executives to take
action against this growing health crisis where one in nine residents
in the Philadelphia region and 26 million people nationally are
afflicted by diabetes.

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes has been taking place throughout the
country for more than 20 years and has raised over $150 million toward
diabetes prevention, education, advocacy, and ultimately a cure.
Locally, the 2011 event raised over $575,000 and boasted 3,600
participants, making it the number one Step Out event in the country.
This year, Step Out will be held Saturday, October 6 at the
Philadelphia Museum of Art. The ADA looks to inspire 4,500 participants
and raise $615,000.

Speaking from IBC corporate headquarters on Market Street, NBC 10 news
anchor Lori Wilson welcomed representatives from more than 30 local
businesses, and introduced guest speaker Chris Cashman, IBC's executive
vice president and president of commercial markets.

"Since 2008, IBC and our associates have contributed over $450,000 to
help ADA provide community education programs and to fund critical
research projects to improve the lives of all people affected by
diabetes," said Cashman. "As corporate leaders we have a responsibility
to walk the talk by taking care of ourselves, urging others to lead
healthier lives, and working together to prevent the growth of chronic
diseases, such as diabetes."

On behalf of IBC, Cashman pledged to form a team of 450 or more walkers
and "Blue Crew" volunteers for the 2012 walk, and to raise at least
$55,000 through employee fundraising and a corporate matching gift.