It’s that time of year when many T1D families around the Pacific Northwest gather family and friends to join them for the annual JDRF run or walk in their region. This marks the 14^th year that Jake’s Crew, a team based out of the Tacoma area, will participate in the South Sound OneWalk on May 4^th.

Jake’s Crew was formed by Bobby Erickson after his son Jake was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2005 at the age of 2. Now 15 years-old, Jake is thriving and looking forward to what has become a fun annual tradition.

“My favorite part of the OneWalk is seeing family and friends all come together to support the cause, and getting to spend the day with them,” says Jake.

To date Jake’s Crew has raised more than $160,000 for JDRF thanks to the team’s strong turnout and successful fundraising over the years, including more than 140 walkers in 2009 and raising more than $15,000 in 2015.

Each year Bobby and Jake look for new ways to raise funds and rally team members to join them. This year they held fundraising challenges around the Super Bowl and March Madness, and they will also host a bowling event with a raffle.

When asked how the OneWalk has impacted his life with T1D, Jake points out the connection between the event and the technology he relies on every day. “The funds raised at the walk have helped JDRF continue to advance research and management technology, including CGMs and pumps, which I use in my daily management of T1D.”

For any new families considering the South Sound OneWalk this year, Bobby and Jake encourage them to “Do it! Have fun, get out there and use the JDRF OneWalk website to build your team and fundraise. There are a lot of tools that can help new teams.”

The South Sound OneWalk is May 4, 2019 at Chambers Creek. For more information and to register, click here.