Run BeCAUSE Founding Committee (L to R)
Katie Glew, Mason Brachmann, Cooper Woolford, Grant Johnson, Sean Gorney, Matthew Burke, Sam Shonfeld, Zach Shonfeld, Grace Fagan, Helen Fagan

Cooper Woolford and a small group of high school friends created Run BeCAUSE – a charity run featuring three mile-long races benefiting local non-profits. JDRF will be the charity of choice again this year as Run BeCAUSE hold its second annual race on June 11th. Get to know more about Cooper below!

Name: Cooper Woolford
Age: 17
Hometown: Wilmette, IL
High School: New Trier Township HS
Connection to T1D: His sister, Aubrey, was diagnosed when at 10 years old (she’s now 20)

How did Run BeCAUSE come to be?
Run BeCAUSE was started by 10 of us last year because we wanted to use our passion for running to give back to the community. We find it uncommon for young adults our age to devote so much time towards something like Run BeCAUSE, so we wanted to pave the way for future generations of kids and young adults to work for a valuable cause.

Why was JDRF chosen?
We chose JDRF in our first two Run BeCAUSE Charity Miles as the beneficiary because my sister, Aubrey, has battled T1D for 10 years. All my friends know my sister and how deserving she, and all the other people in the world who live with the complications of T1D, is of being cured. JDRF is also known for being very conscientious of their funding, using their money for proactive research that will truly help find a cure.

What should people know about the run on June 11th?
The run on Sunday June 11th will be even better than our inaugural run last year! There will be multiple heats of the mile long run/ walk that will be chip-timed. The race starts at Indian Hill Park on the Green Bay trail and goes a half-mile north before heading a half-mile back south down Wilson St. (parallel to the trail). The race will ultimately end back at the party location where there will be food, music, games, and a whole lot of fun. We look forward to bringing the community together!

How did your life change when your sister was diagnosed with T1D?
I remember the day my sister was diagnosed with Type 1 like it was yesterday. I was just 8 years old and really had no idea what had left my sister in the hospital for a week. As I’ve learned more about the disease, I have come to realize that this biological difference she has does not define her in the slightest. She is tougher than I will ever be because she has traversed a road that has been filled with bumps. She is the most resilient person I know, and I’m so proud to call her my role model.

What would a world without T1D mean for you?
A world without Type 1 would be a relief to everyone who lives with the annoyances of T1D. Although, in a way I feel like my sister has made T1D a part of her and her strength. It would be great to live in a world without checking sugars, counting carbs and ordering supplies, but for now she doesn’t let it slow her down.

Click here to learn more, register to run, or support Run BeCAUSE.

This post has been edited lightly for brevity and clarity.