The Merrillville Breakthrough T1D One Walk is this Sunday! To take us into our first Walk Day of 2016, here is the latest installment of our seven-part Walk Team Spotlight series! We are highlighting one Breakthrough T1D One Walk team each week between August 17th and October 2nd.

This week’s team is “Beverly Brigade for the Cure” from the Palos Hills Walk site.

Who are you walking for?
We walk for Sean McKee (age 10), Matthew Durkin (age 13), and Sean Healy (age 11). We are dedicated to raising money to find a cure for type 1 diabetes during their lifetime!

Why did you pick your team’s name?
We started out as “Captain Sean’s Crew” after Sean was diagnosed at the age of 3. When his cousin Matthew was diagnosed in 2012, we became “Cousins for the Cure.” A few years later, in 2015, we had become close with Sean Healy’s family and decided to change the name to “Beverly Brigade for the Cure” so we could include Sean – who was actually diagnosed shortly before Matthew.

How long have you had your team?
Since 2010.

What is your favorite memory from your first walk?
One of our favorite walk memories is when Sean and Matthew got to cut the ribbon to open the Palos Walk. We also love hearing Sean’s dad, Luke, play the bagpipes at the start line every year and hear the Mother McAuley A Cappella choir perform under the direction of Sean’s mom, Julie.

What are some of your Walk Day traditions?
Every year we have a big post-walk party at a local pub. It is family friendly and we get a wonderful turnout from the community. It has evolved into a fundraiser with a silent auction and several raffle items. Last year, our team raised over $20,000.

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