Did you know that approximately 1.25 million Americans are living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and about 1 million of those people are adults? T1D can be diagnosed at any age. Aaron Groff, KION 5/46 news anchor in Monterey, is one of those adults. When he began his career as a news reporter, he had no idea that he would face a T1D diagnosis at the age of 26. Since then, he has successfully moved forward in his career, while helping to raise awareness about the disease. Aaron participated in his first Walk as emcee for the JDRF One Walk in Pacific Grove in 2018. He will serve as emcee again this year on October 6, and KION 5/46 is now a proud media partner for the Walk. We asked Aaron why he continues to support the JDRF One Walk:

I walk because it’s been proven time and time again that with awareness and support life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be easier. This doesn’t happen without people voicing how important research and funding is, and then showing firsthand how it benefits everyone living with T1D.

When I was first diagnosed at 26, it was a little terrifying. My job as a reporter meant that I was on the road and on the go constantly. Now add the daily stresses of checking my blood sugars between interviews and giving myself insulin shots in the back of a news truck made everything a bit crazy. But because of the support for the fight against diabetes, and events like the JDRF One Walks across the country, new advancements are being made to help people on the go live their lives how they used to.

I can’t stress how much better my life is because of my insulin pump and the amazing diabetes teams at our local clinics and hospitals, all made possible because of a community that cares about finding a cure. Technological advancements don’t happen without a massive amount of people that care and push for improvements.

The type 1 diabetes community has been embracing for me, my wife and my family, sharing how we’re all part of this, and it is because of that team effort mentality that life with diabetes doesn’t have to be terrifying or overwhelming. New, better ways to treat and manage diabetes will come and I am thrilled that my job allows me to have a platform to share the good news, the bad (sky-high insulin prices for far too many people), and how anyone can play a role to help.

It is an honor to be the emcee once again for the Monterey Peninsula JDRF One Walk. See you all in Pacific Grove on October 6th!

JDRF One Walk is a fun, family friendly event where dedicated walkers, volunteers and sponsors raise money to make living with T1D safer and healthier,until it is no longer a threat. We welcome everyone to take part—whether you choose to walk on your own or with a family, corporate or school team. Join Aaron Groff at the JDRF One Walk in Pacific Grove or find a Walk near you at walk.jdrf.org. Register today!