35 Faces, 35 years of Walking, 35 Reasons to Give

The hardest part about being diagnosed with T1D when I was 10 years old is that I remember what life was like before I had diabetes. Before T1D, I could play outside and eat whatever I wanted while not having to worry about my blood sugar and what was happening inside my body. Right after being diagnosed, my family learned about Breakthrough T1D and what they were doing to help find a cure for T1D. My Mom became involved with outreach efforts and helping other families who are newly diagnosed too. My family and I also Walk every year in Columbus. Since our first year, we have raised over $11,000! My favorite Walk day memory is from last year. Last year I was able to help my Mom and the volunteers set up for the Breakthrough T1D One Walk. Friends from my school even volunteered and came out to support me! The best part about the Walk is that I have a good time with my friends, and I am able to forget about T1D.

Some people think type 1 diabetes is no big deal or that it is just an inconvenience, but it is far more than that. T1D never takes a break or a vacation. It is a 24 hour, 365 days disease that is managed daily by me and my parents. Some days it can be a lot to bear. I hope that others will start fundraising, forming their own Walk teams and joining me and my family at the Breakthrough T1D One Walk this year!

Please consider supporting JD’s fundraising efforts by donating to his Breakthrough T1D One Walk team here.