Jay Rez DiaBEATers first joined Breakthrough T1D as a walk team two years ago after Jason Resnick was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We spoke with Jason, the team captain of Jay Rez DiaBEATers, to learn more about his story and team.

JDRF: When did you first get connected with Breakthrough T1D?

Jason Resnick: My family reached out to Breakthrough T1D New Jersey Metro & Rockland County Chapter soon after my diagnosis with Diabetic Ketoacidosis and release from the hospital.  Breakthrough T1D immediately became my family’s safety net to answer questions and help in any way that they could.  They even sent me the “teen backpack” since, at the hospital, I was given the children’s backpack.

JDRF: How many years have you been participating in the Breakthrough T1D walk?

Jason: I was diagnosed with T1D on December 29, 2013.  While I was still in the hospital, a family friend told us that he would find a walk for us, and we will all do it together. Our first walk was in October 2014, and we raised about $16,000 and had over 80 walkers. Our second walk was in October 2015, and we again raised about $16,000 and had over 80 walkers. Team Jay Rez DiaBEATers is looking forward to another successful walk.

JDRF: What is your favorite memory from the walks?

Jason: My favorite memory from the walks was seeing all the people — young and old — who came out in support of me, especially my teammates from the Pingry School football team.

JDRF: How do you utilize your school for fundraising?

Jason: Each year, I have sponsored a dress down day at my school and have raised each year approximately $600 from this event. 

JDRF: Is there a research advancement that most excites, inspires, and motivates you?

Jason: I can’t wait until there is an Artificial Pancreas — one that would take the guess work out of insulin administration and would automatically titrate my insulin and glucagon so that I could avoid the dreaded highs and lows.

JDRF: Can you share some fundraising tips? How do you increase your fundraising each year? What fundraising strategies work best for you and your team?

Jason: I’d say definitely include matching gifts.

I ask each and every adult who contributes to Team Jay Rez DiaBEATers whether they work for a matching gift company, and I follow-up with them to make sure that they apply for company matching gifts that are available.  This has been a very successful and easy way to increase the funds that my team has raised.

Matching gifts are a great — and often underutilized — fundraising resource. Matching gifts can double or even triple your fundraising contribution to Breakthrough T1D. To find out if your company, or your donor’s company, matches, connect with the HR department or search the matching gift database. 

For additional information on Breakthrough T1D One Walk, visit walk.jdrf.org. For additional fundraising tips for your One Walk team, contact newjerseymetro@BreakthroughT1D.org or call us at (732) 219-6554.