Turning Type 1 into Type None: JDRF's One Walk at COD raises money for diabetes research
JDRF scientists are working every day to make sure people with Type 1 diabetes live healthy, happy lives.
The least common of the two types of diabetes - according to cdc.gov, about 5% to 10% of people who have diabetes have Type 1 - it can strike at any age, although the peak age is between 10 and 14.
A tough age for a chronic disease that demands constant blood sugar checks, insulin administration, use of a blood sugar monitor and carb counting.
Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that turns food into energy.
According to JDRF's website, symptoms of the disease are frequent urination, dry mouth, extreme thirst, increased appetite, weight loss and slow-healing cuts.
JDRF works to help people with Type 1 diabetes through advocacy and research. To raise funds to move the cause forward, JDRF Illinois is hosting a One Walk event Sunday, Oct. 16, at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.
Activities start at 8 a.m., with the event stepping off at 9:30 a.m. There will be food, a Kids Zone and entertainment following the walk.
Registration is free for this 2K on the COD campus, but all walkers must register at www2.jdrf.org/.
Mike Molinaro of Naperville, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for more than 37 years, said in an email, “I walk for all the children. I never ever want them to go through the struggles of this 24/7 every day.
“I truly believe all the money that we raised for JDRF had an impact on this and many other advancements. I will keep punching until I hear that bell ring in the last round of this fight. The bell will sound and say, 'a cure and prevention has been found.'”
Kacie Herbst, JDRF senior development manager, talks about JDRF Illinois and the upcoming One Walk.
Q: What is JDRF? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: Founded by parents determined to find a cure for their children with T1D, JDRF is now the leading global organization that harnesses the power of research, advocacy, and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
JDRF's mission is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by Type 1 diabetes and funding research for a cure.
Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?
A: For the One Walk, a majority of our donations come from families who have a loved one with T1D. Even looking at our corporate sponsors, many of them started engaging with JDRF due to an employee's personal family connection to T1D.
Families can sign up for the One Walk as a “family team” and collect donations from their networks that go toward their family team fundraising page.
Q: How many people per year do you serve?
A: JDRF Illinois serves roughly 98,000 people.
Note: This number just quantifies JDRF Illinois' reach, not JDRF as an entire entity (meaning not including other chapters and our national office).
Q: What are some of your programs?
A: JDRF Illinois has a variety of programs, including our Peer-to-Peer events such as the One Walks, which are walkathons hosted in the fall; the Ride to Cure Diabetes, which is a cycling ride hosted across the country; and Team JDRF, which enlists runners to fundraise for JDRF as they participate in marathons and races around the country.
JDRF Illinois' Signature Events team also hosts our One Dream Gala in December and our corporate Real Estate Games in the spring.
Finally, our chapter as a whole puts on the Type One Nation Summit Conference, which is a free event for the public to learn more about JDRF, T1D resources, and research updates.
Q: Tell us about the JDRF One Walk Chicago at College of DuPage.
A: The JDRF One Walk is a free walkathon where communities gather to show the world that, together, we can conquer Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
The JDRF One Walk is the largest T1D event in the world, no matter where you are. By joining the JDRF One Walk, you'll be part of the lasting footprint we'll make for the T1D community now, and for generations to come.
The upcoming One Walk takes place at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
For details or to register, visit www2.jdrf.org/.
Those who are interested in participating but cannot attend are invited to participate via the “Your Walk, Your Way” option.
Q: How can readers help if they can't participate in the event?
A: If you're interested in joining the fight against T1D, you can support through advocacy, volunteering, joining fundraising events or monetary donations that fund the research needed to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications.
JDRF's One Walk
What: A 2K walk to benefit JDRF, which advocates for people with Type 1 diabetes
When: Activities start at 8 a.m., with the walk stepping off at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16.
Where: College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
Cost: Free to participate; put a team together and fundraise
Register: www2.jdrf.org