Welcome to our 2018 JDRF One Walk Team Spotlights, a series dedicated to celebrating the most important part of JDRF One Walk – YOU! Registration for One Walk Philadelphia is now open, and fundraising is well underway. All the hard work culminates in a day of fun at the Philadelphia Art Museum on Sunday, October 28, 2018!

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Meet Josie Lordi of Taking Our Shot at Inspiring Hope, a superstar family team with JDRF One Walk Philadelphia. Josie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) six years ago.

She and her family do more than just walk for a cure—they run! Read more below to find what JDRF means to the Lordi family and, as told by Josie’s mother, Leslie.

What is your T1D connection? Tell us about your loved one living with T1D.

Josie, our nine-year-old daughter, has T1D. She was diagnosed when she was three. Josie is a rock star! She loves sports (basketball, soccer, and softball), plays the viola, and is a HUGE nature lover! She has a black lab (Zoey) who serves as her diabetic alert dog.

Why did you decide to get involved with JDRF and the Philly Walk? When and how did you first create your team?

We decided to get involved because we wanted to do as much as possible to raise money for research and a CURE! We created our first team when Josie was four. Friends and family came from all over to support this cause!

How do you fundraise for the Philly Walk?

We run a 5K in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, every year. This year is our sixth annual race. We have raised over $60,000 for JDRF over the past five years. Our race this year was on Saturday, May 19. It’s always a huge success in our community.

Do you have a favorite part of One Walk or a favorite One Walk story?

Our favorite part of the walk is being together with other people who care with all of their hearts in raising awareness and money for JDRF. We are extremely hopeful for a cure.

Lean on those families who have been there, done that. We learn best from one another and organizations like JDRF who are willing to support you along the way.

How has JDRF’s support made a difference for you and your family?

JDRF has supported us every step of the way. They have given us hope for a better future for those living with T1D.

What would you tell someone with T1D or a newly diagnosed family about JDRF?

I would tell a family to lean on those families who have been there, done that. We learn best from one another and organizations like JDRF who are willing to support you along the way. Find something positive to do—it makes it a little better when you know you are fighting the good fight!

T1D is not a death sentence. With education, determination, and patience, anyone can live a happy and healthy life. Be positive and find the good in life!

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Have you registered for One Walk Philadelphia yet? Visit walk.jdrf.org/philadelphia to start or join a team! For more information about the JDRF One Walk program, or to find a Walk location near you, please visit walk.jdrf.org.