Welcome to the fourth post of our seven-part Walk Team Spotlight series! We will highlight one Breakthrough T1D One Walk team each week between August 17th and October 2nd.

This week’s team is the Breakthrough T1D Illinois Young Leadership Committee (YLC) from the Downtown Chicago Walk site. YLC member Andrew Neigh was chosen to answer a few questions.

Who are you walking for?
We’re walking for everyone managing T1D!

I personally have T1D while the rest of the YLC team walks to support their siblings, spouses, children, and friends who have T1D. I was diagnosed 9 years ago and my family and I got started walking one year after my diagnosis. I want to bring hope to the younger generations and our goal as a team is to show that nobody is alone in battling this condition!

Why did you pick your team’s name?
It identifies who we are and shows our involvement with Breakthrough T1D. My old team (The Nighabetics) was a fun name I use to brand how I live with T1D, but I’ve folded that team into the YLC for now.

How long have you had your team?
The YLC has been walking for at least 10 years! This will be my 8th year walking and fourth with the YLC.

What is your favorite memory from your first walk?
My parents drove up to Madison, Wisc. to walk with my friends and me while we were in college. It was really great to spend a beautiful Fall Sunday with friends and family raising awareness for a personal cause.

What are some of your Walk Day traditions?
After the Walk, I like to gather my team at a local restaurant for brunch and Da Bears game!

Did you miss our previous Walk Team Spotlights? You can find them here: Holler for Oliver Our #1, Rakers Rockets, Ceci & Company.