I want to express my sincere gratitude for assistance rendered by a number of Auburn citizens during a rather traumatic experience I had on Aug. 8. I’m sure my fellow diabetics and those close to them will understand.

I was participating in the 5K race that is a part of the annual Auburn Days celebration when about two-thirds of the way I experienced an insulin reaction and became disoriented and got off-course and hopelessly lost. I recall passing the front of Fred Meyers, where I encountered what I believe to have been a security officer. He very kindly got me onto Auburn Way headed in the right direction. A few blocks later, a bicyclist stopped and inquired about my condition and assured me that I was on track to Main Street.

I arrived at the corner just across from the Justice Center and met another runner (long after the race was over). As I was telling him about my plight, a small crowd gathered. There were several folks there attempting to assist me when another runner (also from Auburn) showed up with her husband. They suggested that they take me to my son’s residence just a few blocks from the start/finish line and this is where my story ends.

I was surely impressed by the several concerned Auburn residents who offered assistance. None of them had any reason other than compassion to help me. In the meantime, I have some ideas about how to prevent a recurrence, but if one should occur, I hope it will again be in Auburn, where I am confident I will be in good hands.

Thank all of you so much.

– Gil Purschwitz