As the Washington, DC JDRF One Walk on Sunday, June 3 on the National Mall is quickly approaching, we want to tell you about an important and exciting addition to this year’s walk—Team Hope. Team Hope is a JDRF One Walk team made up of local families with kids newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Team Hope provides an opportunity for families to connect with one another in the T1D community and build a support network. By joining Team Hope, you will be helping to raise funds to support T1D research and make new friends along the way.

“This year, I want to invite you to join us,” said Elisabeth LaMotte, who’s excited to serve as the captain of DC Team Hope. “Living with T1D means there are no days off and there is no cure—but there is hope.” She added: “As our family has now supported the JDRF One Walk for 10 years, we’re excited to continue to do our part to find a cure and connect with newly diagnosed families through a fun and memorable morning. My 17-year-old daughter, Charlotte Rose, looks forward to greeting new walkers and introducing them to this meaningful experience.”

Elisabeth summed up the power of the One Walk and Team Hope beautifully: “When Charlotte Rose was diagnosed with T1D on February 3, 2008 at age eight, we all felt very overwhelmed, disoriented, and unsure about the future. Connecting with JDRF early on made an immediate difference.  And when we participated in our first walk in the spring of 2008, we realized that as rough as it is to navigate this disease, it is also an opportunity to make a difference.  There is a connection that transpires through the collaborative power of the walk and it is inspiring to realize that we are not alone.”

Please visit http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/teamhopedc to learn more about Team Hope and to join the team. If you have questions or need support, please reach out to our staff anytime at teamhopedc@gmail.com.