Sandi Eason was introduced to the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community 12 years ago when her then 14-year-old son Royce was diagnosed with the disease. Other parents quickly reached out to her with support and guidance during that challenging time. “Within a month of my son’s diagnosis, I was brought into the JDRF family,” says Sandi.

Sandi was motivated right away to get involved with the JDRF Walk in Monterey Bay. She knew it was one way that she and her family could make a difference. “I want Royce to be able to look at his mom knowing that I’ve done everything I can to help find a cure.” Sandi recognizes that every little bit and every little step counts. “There is a fable about a lone hummingbird trying to put out a forest fire, one drop of water at a time from his beak,” says Sandi. “The other animals mock the bird. ‘Don’t bother; you are too little. What do you think you are doing?’ The hummingbird responds, ‘I am doing what I can.’” For Sandi, that meant stepping up as the Corporate Chair for the Monterey Bay Walk many years in a row, and serving as Chair for this year’s Monterey Bay One Walk, taking place on October 30, 2016 at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove.

“It has been a true pleasure working so closely with Sandi on the Monterey Bay One Walk,” says Heather Jenkins, Walk Manager. “Volunteers like her are the number one reason I love my job. I know I can rely on her to help make it all happen.”

Sandi is grateful that her company, Wells Fargo, has been very supportive over the years, allowing her time to volunteer and contributing financially to the Walk. She looks forward to seeing the T1D community come together on Walk day when she sees her hard work pay off in a big way. “It’s very inspirational to look out upon the sea of people, knowing and feeling that we are all there connected by one common thread, T1D and a passion for cure.”

Royce is now 26 years old, and a college graduate with a degree in sporting and event management. Sandi could not be more proud, and relieved. “Whew! He made it through his college years on the East Coast with a solid focus on managing his T1D.” she says. But her work is not done. Sandi will remain focused and continue volunteering with JDRF until a cure is found. “It would mean this mom could look at her precious son and say from my heart ‘Yes, son, we did make a difference.’”

Registration for the 2016 JDRF One Walk is now open! walk.jdrf.org