JDRF Greater Western Carolinas would like to highlight our Superhero Supporter for the month of February, Carowinds. Carowinds opened on the North and South Carolina state line on March 31, 1973. 17 years after its official opening, Carowinds began hosting our annual JDRF One Walk and has been a constant supporter in our mission of treating, preventing, and ultimately finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.

This is Carowinds 30th year (beginning in 1990) of supporting JDRF through hosting our annual One Walk, a huge THANK YOU to Carowinds!

Throughout the 30 years of hosting the JDRF One Walk at Carowinds, our Walk has grown in numbers of attendees and money raised for T1D. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without Carowinds support and dedication.

“Our relationship with JDRF is one of our longest standing community relationships and its longevity is a testament to the organization’s strong vision and powerful impact. I’ve seen firsthand how the support and education JDRF offers to those with type 1 diabetes and their families helps them live better lives. We’re thrilled at the success of One Walk over the years and are proud of the role Carowinds plays in attracting the thousands of walkers who participate and contribute to JDRF’s success.” – Lisa Stryker, Director of Communications, Carowinds.

As you can tell from the pictures above, our Walk has definitely changed and evolved over the years. Throughout that time, Carowinds has been changing and evolving too. In 2009, the Carolina Cobra was opened with a full 360 degree loop going forwards and backwards. In 2015, Carowinds made history by adding Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster. In 2019, Carowinds opened Copperhead Strike, the Carolinas’ first double-launch coaster. Carowinds has continued growing over the years, and we’re so grateful to be a part of that! Want to learn more about Carowinds history? Watch this video about Carowinds history and opening.

Now let’s take a look at our most recent walk held at Carowinds in 2019, raising over $750,000, and bringing together around 6,000 people impacted by or living with type 1 diabetes.

We wouldn’t be where we are today without Carowinds dedication. Thank you again to our long term Superhero Supporter, Carowinds, for continuing to support our mission and JDRF One Walk year after year.

-JDRF Greater Western Carolinas