2017 Breakthrough T1D One Walk
“I once read that love is the most important word in our language. The second is HOPE. I’ve found this to be true.
Our son Jamey was diagnosed at 11 years old without the typical symptoms of type 1 diabetes. A wonderful pediatrician took my gut feelings that something just wasn’t right, and ran a test that showed an elevated blood sugar. When she called with the results I knew our lives had changed forever.
We agreed to receive a Bag of Hope from Breakthrough T1D while we were in the hospital, along with a follow-up phone call later. It would be one of the best blurry-eyed decisions we would ever make.
We attended our first One Walk as family, just 2 months into a type 1 diagnosis, a team of 5 plus Grandma. It brought me to tears to see the thousands of people supporting kids with type 1, kids like our son. It was fun, we learned we were not alone, and it was beyond inspiring.
Since then we are now in preparations for our fourth One Walk. Our team has grown to nearly 50 members and last year we raised nearly $10,000! Our Team Diabetic Rainbow Cows was created out of an internet meme–”A Type 1 Diabetic produces insulin like a cow produces rainbows, it just doesn’t happen!” Our son raises calves for 4-H so the cow reference was perfect. A rainbow also reminds us of God’s promises, it gives us HOPE.
Volunteering at 2017 Breakthrough T1D Night at Werner Park!
Breakthrough T1D has given our family a platform to share our story. It has given my son a voice to advocate for himself and also raise awareness. He’s spoken at his school, at our local Lions Club, and I was able to share the Breakthrough T1D message at our local rural hospital. So many families need support and guidance to navigate life with type 1 diabetes. So many families need HOPE.
Breakthrough T1D is continually working to improve the lives of T1D kids and adults by supporting innovations such as CGMs and closed loop systems. Breakthrough T1D is also researching cures that make my head spin with the possibilities.
Through Breakthrough T1D events we’ve learned we’re not alone, there are other families that face the same late night wakenings, the same insurance frustrations, and the same HOPE.
Join us on Saturday, August 25th at the 2018 Breakthrough T1D One Walk!”
— Alicia, J.P., Jamey, Sarah and Maggie
