As we look back at 2012, JDRF could not be prouder of our Walk Ambassadors. Each of the nine kids, ages 8-15, did a tremendous job raising awareness about T1D. They bravely shared their stories and served as public figures during Walk season. They truly impressed us and touched our hearts. Here are some of their favorite memories as Walk Ambassadors:

Colten says, “I had great year as a Walk Ambassador. I got to speak with some employees at Dupont about T1D. l learned how to make a poster board and write a speech. My family and friends organized some fundraisers in Vacaville. I learned that fundraising can be a hard job! I also learned that most of the public don’t understand T1D. I got a chance to talk to people about it. I talked to my classmates about T1D and some of them came out to the fundraisers. That was cool. TheVacaville reporter also came to school and asked me questions and took pictures of me. When the kids at school saw me in the paper they had all kinds of questions for me. Some kids took information home so their parents could donate money for the walk. I had such a good time this year at all of the Kick Off events. I also love the Walk at the Oakland Zoo. The Zoo was the perfect place for a walk. If I had to pick the BEST moment I would say Mug Root Beer Float Day with the Oakland A’s. I love baseball ! The A’s made us feel so special. They had people scooping ice cream for us. They talked about the JDRF on the Jumbo Tron. Then the BEST part! I got to go down on the field. I got to run out to first base and meet Brandon Moss. He was so nice. Then they played the National Anthem and I saw myself up on the big screen. That was the best day of my life. Then later that day, Brandon Moss hit a home run! The A’s made me feel like the cared about the JDRF. Go A’s !!! Thanks to everyone especially Simone, Kat, Erin and Chris for the opportunity to be apart of such a awesome group. Best wishes to you all and your families. Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

Maya says, “This year it was a great experience getting to be a JDRF Walk Ambassador in the Bay Area and meeting other ambassadors who have T1D! My most favorite moment of being a JDRF Walk Ambassador was going to the Walk and playing games like the bounce house jousting game with other kids who also had T1D. It was fun playing with them because we all played together and we got to know each other more. I also enjoyed going to the Oakland Athletics Kick Off game and going on the ?eld with the Oakland A’s and other kids living with T1D! Being a JDRF Ambassador was exciting and a lot of fun!”

David says, “Being a JDRF Walk Ambassador this year has been such a great privilege. It was so fun and I have so many great memories that I will never forget. One of my most favorite things about getting to be a Walk Ambassador is when I was able to meet new friends at the Walk, family days, and Kick- offs, that have to live with T1D like me. There were so many nice friends and I had the best time hanging out with them. One thing I thought was really cool was that I was able to cut the ribbon at the starting line with my twin sister Maya at the Laguna Seca Walk to Cure Diabetes. I had a spectacular time being a Walk Ambassador from the A’s game, the Kick- offs, family days and the Walk.”

From Owen’s mom: “Owen’s favorite moment was definitely giving the speech at the Giant’s Kick Off party. He said it felt so amazing to share that moment with so many people who cared about T1D. A close second was cutting the ribbon for the Walk because it was fun. And third would be meeting the other Walk Ambassadors and getting to know kids just like him!”