Team HEROES began with one little boy in January of 2015 when our son, Aiden Jackson then 5, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. At that time, we had no idea what this meant. Now, nearly 4 years traveling the Type 1 journey, we are managing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while still hoping, waiting, and praying for a cure.

Since our son was diagnosed, I felt the urge to do something more; to bring awareness, find a cure, and to be sure no parent and child felt as alone and scared as we did at diagnosis. With this, began my personal journey to make a difference in not only my son’s life but in the life of others and this is where Team HEROES came to life.

At the beginning of our journey, we learned that a dear family friend, David Pate, 38, was also a Type 1 Diabetic. Aiden and David had a special relationship; although the age difference was great their bond through Type 1 was strong. Aiden looked up to David, and David admired Aiden, his strength and ability to adapt. They both held each other accountable and provided each other comfort and solace in their trials and tribulations of Type 1.  Sadly, in May 2017 the Walk and fundraising became especially important to us as David Pate lost his life due to complications of Type 1 Diabetes.  It was more evident than ever that we needed a cure; we had seen and felt the awful and potential reality of Type 1. So, in 2017 Team HEROES grew to include walking, raising awareness, and funding for a cure not only for Aiden but in honor of David.

In July and August of 2018, two young boys, friends of the Jackson family, were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes: Nolan Cox, diagnosed at age 2 and Mason Couzens, diagnosed at age 3. Although both families are still very new to the Type 1 lifestyle as well as the stress, complications, and copious amounts of questions and concerns that were brought forth, they are very eager to bring awareness, raise funds, find a cure, and educate about Type 1. Team HEROES welcomed them and their eagerness and passion with open arms.

Now, Team HEROES walks in an effort to raise awareness and bring forth education: what is Type 1? How do we manage it? How can we combat insurance, medication and supply costs? Team HEROES walks to raise funds not only on behalf of Aiden, Nolan, Mason, and in honor of David Pate, but also for every person and family suffering from this unrelenting disease that we desperately need a cure for because together we are a unified front. Together we are strong. Together we will make a difference.

Thank you!

Abby Jackson