Supporter Spotlight
In this month’s Supporter Spotlight, we are highlighting volunteer leaders from Fort Wayne and Evansville. Meet Heather Herron, Event Chair for the Fort Wayne One Walk and Jim Muehlbauer, Corporate Chair for the Santa Claus One Walk.
Heather Herron – Event Chair, Fort Wayne One Walk
What attracted you to the cause? My 14-year-old daughter Carly was diagnosed with T1D almost 4 years ago.
What motivates you to stay involved? Watching my daughter and other children deal with this disease motivates me to stay involved. I don’t believe we can stop until a cure is found.
In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does? In addition to funding research, Breakthrough T1D is vital in serving as an advocate for patients and families. Increasing awareness is important, especially when educating the public about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2.
What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future? In the long term? Obviously, the long-term goal is to ultimately find a cure for Type 1. In the short term – while that research continues – Breakthrough T1D can continue to work to improve the quality of life for those with T1. That might include new devices that make disease management easier.
What is your favorite thing about the One Walk? A chance to meet other kids/families who are dealing with the disease every day.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests? Reading, writing, volunteering, entertaining
Jim Muehlbauer – Corporate Chair for the Santa Claus One Walk
What attracted you to the cause? My granddaughter is a type 1 diabetic
What motivates you to stay involved? As I have watched the challenges T1D has brought to my granddaughter and her family, I want to do all I can to help.
In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does? Breakthrough T1D raises the awareness of this terrible disease to those not affected and funds focused research to improve the management of it and to move toward a cure for it.
What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future? In the long term? In the short term, I hope they improve the tools for daily management of the disease. In the long term I hope they find permanent cures and prevention.
What is your favorite thing about the One Walk? The excitement of the day, the spirit of the walk teams, and the outpouring of support from the community.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests? Grandchildren, church and community work, lake life
Tell us a fun fact about yourself. My 13th birthday was on Friday the 13th, M (as in Muehlbauer) is the 13th letter of the alphabet, and I am one year younger than you think because I crossed the international date line one year on the 12th before my birthday! 13 is my lucky number.
