Unleashing the T1D Spirit: JDRF One Walk Colorado 2023 

On September 17th, the Jeffco Fairgrounds in Golden, Colorado was transformed into a whirlwind of love, laughter, hope, and pure joy as the T1D community came together for the annual JDRF One Walk Colorado. We’re here to fill you in on all the electrifying details if you missed it! 

Picture this: the sun was shining, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, and the energy was contagious. It was a day that celebrated not only the resilience of those living with Type 1 Diabetes but also the unity of our extraordinary community. 

Now, let’s dive into the highlights of this unforgettable event that brought everyone closer, old friends and new favorites alike! 

The Classics and the Newbies 

Who doesn’t love a splash of blue hairspray from Floyd’s Barbershop? It’s become a tradition, and this year was no different. The 501st Legion, with their spectacular Star Wars costumes, added an extra layer of excitement. And let’s not forget the inflatable obstacle course – an adventure that puts the “fun” in fundraising! 

But, hold on to your hats because we had some thrilling newcomers this year. The Teen Zone stole the hearts of our young participants aged 11-17. Mario Kart tournaments, friendship bracelet making, and a fantastic photo booth brought out the teenager in all of us. And that’s not all – we introduced the T1D Parade, a moment when our T1D heroes took center stage during a personalized parade route, celebrating their strength and resilience in style! 

Celebrating Fundraising Heroes 

Our champions, our heroes, our fundraising rock stars – we owe you a massive thank you! The Mountainous Maniacs, Team Sawyer, and Tripp Towards a Cure blew us away by raising over $80,000 for the JDRF mission to conquer Type 1 Diabetes. The Rookie of the Year team, Eloise and the Blousing Bears, wowed us all by raising over $4,000 and had the honor of cutting the starting line to kick off the walk! Talk about a fantastic start! 

The Host with the Most 

We were thrilled to have the charismatic Rob Howe as our emcee for the day. Rob, a T1D podcaster and retired professional basketball player, brought his contagious enthusiasm and shared his inspiring journey. His presence was a reminder that T1D can’t stop anyone from pursuing their passions and dreams. 

Acknowledging Our Unsung Heroes 

Behind the scenes, there were countless volunteers, sponsors, and partners who worked tirelessly to make this day unforgettable. A special shout-out goes to the JDRF One Walk Colorado Walk Committee – your dedication made it all possible. And for those of you who want to relive the magic, Jim Darling Photo captured all the unforgettable moments. 

Mark Your Calendars! 

As we wrap up this incredible day, we can’t help but look ahead to the future. Get ready because the JDRF One Walk Colorado 2024 is already on the horizon, scheduled for October 6th, 2024! The location is still a mystery (watch out for the announcement!), but one thing’s for sure – it’ll be a day filled with unity, love, and endless hope. 

In the end, the JDRF One Walk Colorado 2023 was a day to remember. It was a testament to the indomitable spirit of the T1D community, a celebration of unity, and a powerful reminder that together, we can conquer Type 1 Diabetes. So, mark your calendars for next year, and join us in making a difference at the JDRF One Walk Colorado 2024! We can’t wait to see you there, ready to make history once again!