Team VCA and the Berlin Family started walking with JDRF in 2013 after Dave and Margie Berlin’s son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Team VCA will be walking with us on Sunday, October 23, at One Walk, Rutgers University, so we sat down with Margie to to learn more about their story and share some of their team’s success.

JDRF: When did you first get connected with JDRF?

Margie Berlin: My family started walking with JDRF after our son, Jake, was diagnosed on May 16, 2013. We were looking to get involved with helping JDRF raise money to find a cure for our son and all who have T1D.

JDRF: How many years have you been participating in the JDRF Walk?

Margie: This will be our family’s third year walking with JDRF.

JDRF: What is your favorite memory from the walks?

Margie: We have a lot of really good memories, but last year was the icing on the cake! Jake’s entire high school soccer team came out to walk with Jake. He was a freshman then and hardly new many of the players; everyone gave their time to show their support for Jake. I know how much that meant to him.

JDRF: Can you share some fundraising tips on how you continue to raise more than $10,000 each year — last year was close to $15,000!? What fundraising strategies work best for you and your team? What events do you have to aid with your fundraising?

Margie: We are Team VCA, which is my husband’s company, so we reach out to many vendors and clients for their support. I personally reach out to all our family, friends, co-workers on Facebook, social media sites, and keep promoting the walk until the very end. It’s important to resend your emails; it’s easy to forget to donate.

I felt very strongly about sending out our personal story, I want people to know what our son goes through every day. I think making them aware of what these kids endure 24/7 is important; you need to make it personal!

The Walk is a great way to get out and support JDRF, but if you have something that you are passionate about and want to raise more money for JDRF, think outside the box  and have fun while staying healthy. On Saturday, November 19, I am hosting a three hour Spin-a-thon at Rock-n-Ryde Studio in Martinsville New Jersey. Each “ryde” will represent a $25 donation; you can spin for one class or stay and sweat it out for three hours! The Spin-a-thon starts at 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. If you are interested in supporting this fundraiser, please go to www.rocknryde.com and follow the steps to donate and or ryde!

JDRF: This is your third year doing the walk, what keeps your family and team coming back every year?

Margie: We really look forward to these walks. First of all, most of my family lives in South Jersey/Philadelphia, so we make it a family reunion and invite everyone to lunch after the walk. We have great T-shirts made every year, and it really is a ”TEAM” effort and everyone feels really good about walking together and enjoying the beautiful campus.

JDRF: Is there a research advancement that most excites, inspires and motivates you? How has Jake’s life changed from being diagnosed, to going on to the pump and now the CGM?

Margie: We are constantly reading up on new and exciting technology that is advancing for type 1. So many exciting things are being tested right now, and we pray that one day Jake will be able to advance to these new technologies. As of right now, having the insulin pump and CGM has changed Jake’s life. It has given him so much more freedom and “peace of mind” for my family. Jake doesn’t have to prick 15 times a day or take shots. He just pricks twice a day and his insulin is pumped right into his body, it’s a very easy process. I’m not saying it’s not hard, but life is so much better with these constantly changing technology, I know so much exciting things are to come in the very near future. That’s what gives us hope.

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