“After finding out about JDRF’s mission and all they have done, it was honestly a no-brainer.”

Justice’s Pancreatic Avengers has been a part of the JDRF One Walk for over 5 years, raising money, volunteering, and brightening up walk day with their colorful costumes. And even though the family has recently moved halfway across the country, that hasn’t stopped them from re-activating their team in Las Vegas for one more year (only this year, they’re a virtual walk team). The Newell family, who head up the team for their son Justice, are as excited as ever to be taking part in it.

“We love the family feel of the walk,” says Alexis, Justice’s mom. “All the familiar faces, and other families who are dealing with the same challenges as we are. It’s a great way to meet new friends, and spend time with old. The whole day is filled with a sense of hope and love.”

The family also loves that the money raised from the walk goes directly to medical trials and research that could one day help cure T1D. “Being able to help put dollars behind the groundbreaking research moved my family from feeling hopeless about my son’s diagnosis to feeling empowered.”

Even though Justice’s Pancreatic Avengers will be participating as a virtual walk team this year, Alexis still has advice to anyone showing up on walk day; have fun! “Be true to you. My family loves to dress up, and wear fun outfits – it is just part of who we are. I think it’s important to bring a sense of self to the walk.”

You can donate to Justice’s Pancreatic Avengers here, or you can create your own walk team here.