Team TRI-abetes started walking with Breakthrough T1D in 2006 under the team name, Team Tommy – in support of their son Tommy. Now, 10 years and two more T1D diagnoses later, Team TRI-abetes has solidified their status as a top fundraising team at Breakthrough T1D One Walk, Jersey Shore. We spoke with team captains Andy and Moira Drechsler to learn more about their story and share some of their team’s success.

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

Andy and Moira Drechsler: We were first connected with Breakthrough T1D after our son, Tommy, was diagnosed in October 2005. From the initial outreach as a newly diagnosed type 1, to the continued support of teen support groups, and everything in between, they have been such a great resource for our family

JDRF: How many years have you been participating in Breakthrough T1D One Walk?

Andy and Moira: Our first Breakthrough T1D Walk was in 2006, and we were known as “Team Tommy.” A lot has changed since that first walk! We have had two more of our children diagnosed since then, and we are now known as “Team TRI-abetes.”

JDRF: What is your favorite memory from the walk?

Andy and Moira: Every year we create such great memories! The walk affords us the opportunity to be with family and friends while supporting a great cause and bring awareness to type 1 diabetes (T1D). It is heartwarming for us to know we have such a great network of people who would take the time out their busy lives to let the kids know they are loved and supported.

JDRF: What keeps your family coming back every year?

Andy and Moira: It’s important for us to help raise funding for research that will bring about the best treatment options for type 1 diabetics and assist the crusade to find a cure. To watch our children’s daily struggles is difficult. They are troopers when it comes to this disease, but hopefully it’s a burden someday they, and other children, won’t have to carry. If we can help in any way to find a cure for Type 1, we are there!

JDRF: As your three children with T1D get older, how has that impacted your fundraising and walk day experience?

Andy and Moira: Life gets busy as the kids get older! They are involved in many different activities and academics are definitely more demanding, but we make the walk a priority! We think it is so important to show support for Breakthrough T1D and all that the organization has done for us for so many years. We try to role model for the kids the importance of being charitable, raising awareness, and being a part of the big picture … A CURE!

JDRF: You’ve raised nearly $10,000 each year. Can you share what fundraising strategies work best for you and your team?

Our biggest strategy is surrounding ourselves around people who are supportive and always have our kid’s best interests at heart. Our friends and family are second to none and we cannot even begin to thank them enough for all the support they have shown throughout the years.

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.