Type 1 diabetes is a complex disease, and one that needs the strength of an army to bring it to an end for good. We have the world’s best and brightest scientists in the field working hard every day. But it’s the blue army which continues to power this important research. This year, our JDRF blue army of passionate supporters just like you, joined us for one of the 40 One Walks around the country or walked their hearts out in our One Walk Step Challenge.
The dollars are still rolling in, but all your efforts and steps combined mean we have now marched past the huge ONE MILLION DOLLAR milestone! And this will continue to grow…
The weather might have been mixed at our locations across Australia but spirits were high. JDRF staff had a fantastic time meeting and mingling with our type 1 diabetes community at all of the major metro One Walks, while fantastic volunteers took the lead on the regional One Walks in their own communities.
Each One Walk was unique in the location, route, distance and activities on offer but a common thread across all is the sense of community. Some families meet for the first time at our One Walks, and some catch up like old friends. It’s a day of celebrating living with type 1 diabetes and connecting with others who share and understand your experiences. Above all else, we celebrate the fundraising efforts you’ve all made towards more life-changing research progress.
Our national top fundraising team this year was the Pancreassassins (Anthony, Hayley, Krissy, Julie, Laura and Karyn), raising nearly $22,000 for type 1 diabetes research. The Pancreassassins walk in memory of Lauren Summers. Lauren’s one passion was a world without type 1 diabetes. Thank you to this wonderful purple-clad team for helping us get closer to this.
Our highest individual fundraiser (not in a team) was Kelly Budge, who walks for Billy. Five-year-old Billy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes earlier this year, and his family hosted their first ever One Walk in beautiful Noosa.
And with that, we would like to thank YOU for being part of our JDRF blue army. More than 5,440 of you registered to fundraise and many more thousands turned out to support us on Walk days. You’ve all contributed to this amazing million dollar impact to help turn type one into type none. On top of that, we had 500 people sign up at our One Walks to become T1D Game Changers. By becoming a Game Changer, you’re among the first to hear about innovative research programs and opportunities to participate in Australian clinical trials. Thank you to everyone who signed up on the day! You’re helping move research forward.
Our thanks would not be complete without a HUGE thank you to all of our wonderful Regional Walk Hosts. One Walks outside the metro areas are coordinated and hosted by volunteers within the community. Without these keen supporters, our regional walks would not have been possible. We also appreciate our wonderful vollies who helps us out at our metro Walks, keeping everyone on course, informed, and more!
We were also thrilled to welcome several MPs to One Walks in 2019. It’s amazing to see their continued support for type 1 diabetes research as we know that research holds the key to a cure.
Last but certainly not least, thank you to our sponsors – both national and local. Your support helps us to make our event days great and maximise our fundraising impact.
Still got funds to bank?
Let’s see how far we can go before Christmas! Please lodge any outstanding funds on your fundraising page or contact walksupport@jdrf.org.au if you need advice on how to bank your funds.
Stay tuned for a final fundraising announcement later this month.