Last week, we hosted an interactive and inspiring virtual Rally designed for newly-diagnosed and new-to-JDRF families.

• Adults, kids and their parents joined us live on Zoom and had the opportunity to “meet” local Outreach Manager Shannon Dutton. Shannon and her team of Outreach Volunteers are the boots on the ground in our local community, guiding families and individuals through the ages and stages of T1D.
• Jake, this year’s One Walk Youth Ambassador Chair, shared his personal T1D story as well as his experience speaking in front of 500+ walkers at past Walks. His orange Jake Runs on Insulin Walk team shirt were a huge talking point in the chat!
• Outreach Volunteer Mary shared her personal experience living with T1D as an adult and stressed the importance of leaning on the JDRF community for support, information, resources and connections. If you’re not familiar with our JDRF support, Mary’s video is the place to start!
• Our Youth Ambassadors brought the enthusiasm, energy and excitement when they kicked off our Walk conversation, each sharing something they love about Walk and Walk Day. This is a must-watch clip to get you in the One Walk mood!
• From there, Youth Ambassadors Alexandra and Jack shared their individual Walk stories. Both touched on empowerment. By fundraising, recruiting and walking, they’re taking action in the fight against T1D.

Our last three speakers really spoke from their heart to inspire and encourage us.

Jeanette spoke about growing up in the JDRF community after her diagnosis more than 30 years ago. Jeanette’s on-camera interview is a must-watch. As someone who has participated in One Walk throughout the years – from walking laps at the Livingston Mall to a 5K at Liberty State Park – Jeanette offered some great advice and tips to people just getting their team started. She also had us all laughing when she shared that she registered for JDRF Ride before she even owned a bicycle!

And Russell rallied the troops and challenged us to “get creative!” While Walk will look different this year due to COVID, Russell demonstrated that what makes Walk special isn’t the in-person event as much as it is the people and our mission. Not only is he a natural in front of the camera, but Russell shared some awesome fundraising ideas.

The Rally ended on a high note when Youth Ambassador Samhitha committed to taking the first step and registered her first One Walk team! Samhitha also shared exciting details about the first National One Walk Day on November 1.

“And while we may not be able to gather in-person on Walk Day – at one of our Walk events – I know that what makes Walk special doesn’t change … And, it’s definitely exciting that my first year walking will actually be the first year that JDRF hosts the first National One Walk Day! 

This fall, JDRF walkers from all over the country will unite to acknowledge and support the 1.6 million Americans living with T1D. 

We will collectively walk 1.6 million miles and raise $50 million by November 1 to recognize 50 years of progress and impact—uniting on behalf of a community we will always walk the distance for.”

Take the first step!

Join Samhitha and register your team for JDRF One Walk at walk.jdrf.org. In addition to our National One Walk Day experience, we have a ton of fun in store for this year, including monthly scavenger hunts, challenges and more!

If you’re interested in joining Jeanette for JDRF My Ride, click here for all of the details! Or, meet more members of our Ride team at our August 20th Trivia Night via Zoom; all are welcome!