Welcome to the first of the 2017 JDRF One Walk Team Spotlights – a series dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the most important aspect of the JDRF One Walk – YOU! Read on to learn more about Team Alex from Libertyville.

Team Name – Team Alex
How long have you had your team? – Since 2016
Walk Site – Libertyville

Who are you walking for?

Our son Alex was diagnosed with T1D in September 2016 at the age of 7. One of the first things we did when we came home from the hospital was start organizing our One Walk team. Never in our wildest dreams did we think there would be such an outpouring of support.

How did you pick your team’s name?

Team Alex is named after our 7 year old son, who is the bravest little boy we know.

What is the meaning behind your team tshirt?

We wanted to create a shirt that expressed Alex’s personality, as well as advocate for JDRF and diabetes research. The front included a soccer ball, basketball, and baseball, along with a photo of Alex kissing a dolphin. And the back had a Superman-like logo along with the words “Insulin Power!” and “Supporting Diabetes Research”.

Do you have any Walk Day traditions?

We participated in 2016, which was our first walk. Over the years as we continue to participate in walks we can form traditions. One tradition which we will continue is to have lots of family and friends join us to support JDRF and our Super Hero Alex!

What is your favorite memory from your first walk?

Seeing family and friends wake up early and walk with us.

Be sure to check back in soon for our next Team Spotlight. Have you registered your One Walk team yet? Visit walk.jdrf.org to register today and we will see you at Merrillville on Sept. 17th or at our many Illinois sites on Oct. 1st!