On October 29^th, JDRF held its first full-scale, in-person Greater Western Carolinas One Walk in three and a half years! The Walk took place at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, with over 2,000 participants and 166 teams raising nearly $600,000 to fund research for life-changing therapies for people affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D).

In addition to enjoying all that the Whitewater Center has to offer, walkers participated in special family-friendly activities that celebrated the T1D community, including a rockin’ DJ, lively team t-shirt contest and fall-themed fun at the Kids Zone sponsored by Harris Teeter. The highlight of this year’s Walk was a brand-new element that is sure to become tradition: the T1D Procession. Hundreds of individuals of all ages, decked out in special T1D superhero capes, marched through the crowd and up to the stage, bearing signs emblazoned with the number of years they have lived with T1D. From “newly diagnosed” to “25+ years,” these signs only told a small part of each person’s incredible story of strength and fortitude. It was an inspiring moment to witness, reminding us all why we fight so hard for a CURE!

Thanks to all who supported this year’s Walk in Charlotte, October 29^th was truly a day to celebrate and walk to change the future for everyone living with T1D. However, our community’s commitment began long before Walk Day. We want to thank Crowder Construction for sponsoring a successful Registration Challenge and Brothers Heating & Air for following it up later in the Walk campaign with a generous matching gift. Another match from Walk Corporate Chair Ducie Stark of Dickens Mitchener gave our Walk fundraisers a final, much-appreciated boost in support that helped many teams hit their goals and reach new fundraising heights! This year’s top teams in Charlotte included Jake’s J Walkers (nearly $19,000 raised); Ryan’s Quest (over $17,000 raised); Making Moves for Maddie (over $14,000 raised); and Lucy’s Crew and Kickin’ it with Kemp (both with approximately $13,000 raised). These teams joined 15 corporate sponsors, including top sponsors Brothers Heating & Air, Rodgers and Providence Anesthesiology Associates, to help put us half a million dollars (and counting!) closer to a world without T1D.

JDRF One Walk is the largest T1D event in the world. Walk funds raised in Charlotte and across the country will power more research, enable more advocacy and fund more support for the 1.45 million Americans living with T1D. Lily Anderson, JDRF North Carolina’s Community Engagement and Development Manager, was diagnosed with T1D in 1994 at the age of 2. As Lily said, “T1D is still very isolating…reflecting on my journey and my connections with JDRF, I have decided to dedicate my life to serving those within the diabetes community.  To me, the Walk is a meaningful campaign and day that not only raises fund for a cure and awareness around this disease, it brings our community together which is so powerful.”  On behalf of Lily and all those whose lives are made better every day through your support of JDRF: THANK YOU!

Special Thanks: