Why we walk: Breakthrough T1D Walk fundraiser in Lisle making strides toward a cure
There are about 1.5 million Americans living with Type 1 diabetes in Illinois, and that is why it is so important to take part in the annual Breakthrough T1D Walk, says Michael Mayberry, Territory Executive Director of Breakthrough T1D Illinois, formerly JDRF.
Funds raised by walkers and other donations help expedite research for advanced treatments as well as a possible cure. Thanks to that money, Mayberry says there have been remarkable medical breakthroughs in the past few years.
“We’re seeing some incredibly exciting advancements in Type 1 diabetes research that are bringing us closer than ever to life-changing treatments and cures,” Mayberry said in an email. “One major area of progress is cell therapies, which aim to restore the body’s ability to produce insulin. Researchers are making promising strides in developing therapies that could significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for insulin injections for some people living with T1D.
“We’ve also seen exciting developments with Tzield, the first FDA-approved therapy shown to delay the progression of T1D, which recently received expanded approval for certain children and teens newly diagnosed with the condition,” Mayberry said. “These breakthroughs are a powerful reminder of why continued research and fundraising are so important. While there’s still work to be done, we’re incredibly optimistic about what the future holds for the T1D community.”
The suburban Breakthrough T1D Walk takes place Sunday, Oct. 18, at Benedictine University in Lisle. There is still time to register and fundraise, or make a donation, by visiting breakthrought1d.org.
The event kicks off with a parade that will honor all T1D Champions, recognizing how many years they’ve been living with T1D. Anyone who would like to take part in the parade should arrive early for the lineup. Before and after the walk, there will be activities and vendors, as well as entertainment for all ages.
Mayberry discussed the walk and why it is important to support Breakthrough T1D Illinois.
Q: What is Breakthrough T1D? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, is the leading global Type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Through research funding, advocacy and community support, we’re working to improve everyday life for people living with T1D while driving progress toward cures.
Here in Illinois, we’re proud to support individuals and families impacted by T1D, connecting them with resources, education and a community that understands their journey.
Q: How many people do you serve each year?
A: Our work supports a community of approximately 1.5 million Americans living with Type 1 diabetes, including nearly 200,000 children and young adults under the age of 20. Our research and advocacy efforts have an impact far beyond Illinois, supporting a global community of approximately 9.5 million people living with T1D.
Locally, our walk brings thousands of supporters together each year. Last year alone, more than 3,000 walkers and 360 teams participated across the state, demonstrating the incredible strength of our community.
Q: Where do the majority of your funds come from to support your work?
A: The majority of our funding comes from the generosity of individuals, families and communities who are passionate about creating a world without Type 1 diabetes. Fundraising events like the Breakthrough T1D Walk, along with individual donations, corporate partnerships and other community initiatives, play an important role in supporting our mission.
Last year, Illinois Walk participants raised $1.84 million to help advance critical T1D research, advocacy and support. Every donation, big or small, helps move us closer to breakthroughs that can change lives.
Q: Tell us about the Breakthrough T1D Walk taking place at Benedictine University in Lisle.
A: We’re excited to bring the Breakthrough T1D Walk back to the Chicago suburbs on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Benedictine University, 5700 College Road in Lisle. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and features a 1.5-mile walk route.
The walk brings together individuals living with T1D, their families, friends and supporters for a fun, family-friendly morning filled with activities and opportunities to connect, all while raising critical funds to advance T1D research and accelerate progress toward cures.
Whether you have a personal connection to T1D or simply want to make a difference, everyone is welcome to participate. We encourage community members to register, form a team with friends or family and fundraise in support of our mission. Readers can learn more and register at breakthrought1d.org/walk.
Q: How can readers help your organization?
A: There are so many ways to get involved and make a meaningful difference! One of the best ways is by joining us at the Breakthrough T1D Walk on Oct. 18, whether that’s walking, fundraising, volunteering or cheering on participants.
Readers can also support our mission by making a donation, participating in local events or helping spread awareness about Type 1 diabetes. Every action helps us continue funding groundbreaking research, advocating for the T1D community and accelerating progress toward cures.
Q: What else should readers know?
A: Beyond fundraising, the Breakthrough T1D Walk is an opportunity to bring people together and remind individuals and families impacted by T1D that they’re not alone. Whether someone was recently diagnosed or has been living with T1D for years, the walk offers a chance to connect with others who understand their experiences and be part of a community working toward a future without Type 1 diabetes.
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Breakthrough T1D Walk
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Where: Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle
Cost: Register at breakthrought1d.org/ to make a donation or raise funds
Walk schedule:
8:30 a.m.: Walk site and event activities open
9:25 a.m.: Gather for T1D Champions Parade at the Community Wall
9:30 a.m.: Opening ceremony and program
10 a.m.: Walk start
10:15 a.m. to noon: Entertainment, activities and food trucks