Fall Walk season looked a little different for our new statewide North Carolina Chapter. For the first time ever, JDRF presented a unified national OneWalk, the largest T1D event in history! For our chapter’s Asheville Walk, this meant an opportunity for that community to participate in the Walk program both locally and nationally, with local challenges motivating our walkers and a big shared national goal – 1.6 million miles walked for the 1.6 million Americans who live with T1D – keeping everyone going!

Over 100 registered walkers (including 8 V1Ps who individually raised over $1,000 each) from 16 teams took to the streets and mountain trails and said, “#TakeAHikeT1D!” The Asheville T1D community went out and walked over 3,100 for our collective dream of a world without T1D, drumming up support from over 250 donors to raise over $38,000! Thanks to Kim Hawkins of RE/MAX, all Asheville teams started their fundraising with a $50 match. We were proud to award a few special distinctions to this year’s Asheville Walk stars: board member Dr. Hilary Thomas hosted both a corporate AND family team that together raised $3,000. First-time walker Tamara Ball raised over $1,700. And Jackie Steward (Team Finger Prickin’ Good) was awarded the Triple Crown this year for most dollars raised ($7,301); most walkers (16) and most miles walked (338.06) – incredible!

Trudi Peters, who was diagnosed with T1D in 1959 at the age of 12, said, “In the past 61 years I have seen the world of diabetes management change dramatically. JDRF and our T1D community are the reason for these changes and I feel honored to be able to say that I have been part of the progress made by being part of funding the research.” When asked what makes her most excited about JDRF’s research today, Trudi shared, “That 61 years from now, T1Ds will be able to say I “used” to have diabetes! As long as we all continue to do our part to support JDRF and T1D research I am sure this day will come and that makes more excited than you know! The burden will be lifted for so many!”

We are grateful for our Asheville Walk corporate sponsors Eaton Corporation, Asheville Endocrinology Consultants and Kim Hawkins at RE/MAX. And to all our Walkers, teams and supporters: THANK YOU for helping us say “Take a hike, T1D!” during this year’s virtual Asheville Walk!