A lot has changed in the last few weeks and it continues to unfold. Many of us are doing our best to stay home, keep a proper social distance and do what we can to keep ourselves, and so many others, protected against this ugly virus. Our top two priorities at JDRF are keeping the T1D community safe and connected to important updates on COVID 19 while continuing to raise significant funds for our life-changing mission.

Our commitment to end T1D is unwavering and JDRF President & CEO, Dr. Aaron Kowalski is continuing on his promise to raise $50,000 and run 13.1 miles on April 26 for Team JDRF.

We invite you to support Team JDRF & Run With Aaron (at whatever distance you choose) virtually on April 26!

We cannot let the research momentum that so many of you in the T1D community helped fuel slow down, or stop because of the pandemic. Your support today will place us in a very strong position to stay apace and move JDRF efforts forward. We simply cannot afford to slow down!

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO GET INVOLVED:

1. If you can, please support our New Jersey Hometown T1D Hero towards his bold goal!
2.  Join Aaron’s team and start your own fundraising page. Connect your fundraising page to Facebook and/or email the link to your network. Share with them the importance of continuing to raise funds for T1D research.
3. Share your virtual race day photos and videos with us on April 26. If you aren’t able to run on that day – find the day that works best for you! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram at @JDRFnjmetro and use hashtags: #runwithAaron #JDRFJerseyStrong #teamJDRF.

Look through our virtual run tips for ways to get others involved (from a distance)!

TIMELINE FOR APRIL 26 – VIRTUAL RUN WITH AARON

12:00pm EST – Opening ceremony with Aaron – rain or shine on our Facebook Page. We’ll have a T1D Hero sing the National Anthem followed by a message from Dr. Aaron Kowalski to kick off the virtual run! If you’d like to get out and run earlier; that’s great! You don’t need to wait until 12pm to start your virtual run!

12:00pm-5:00pm – Put on your JDRF best, lace up your sneakers and get active where you are! Go out on a run (or walk!) at your own pace, and your own distance.

*Take a photo before the race, during and after! Tag us: @JDRFnjmetro and use the hashtags: #runwithAaron #teamJDRF. Don’t forget to turn off your privacy settings on the post so we can re-post on our chapter social media channels!

5:00pm-6:00pm – Celebrate & give thanks! Huge shout out to all those who joined Aaron, raised funds, and spread good vibes during this uncertain time.

RESOURCES:
• Make your own running bib to wear proudly on race day. Don’t forget to add your name in! PDF file here.

• Utilize the virtual run toolkit to get others involved.

• Post on social media using these examples & tips.

We are here to support you and will be cheering you on with virtual high fives every step of the way! Reach out if you need anything: mford@jdrf.org.

Want to do more and continue to get out there and get moving?
Be sure to check out all of the other virtual Team JDRF events across the country: team.jdrf.org .