WINTER PARK, FL (April, 2023) – JDRF raised over $400,000 at their annual One Walk in Jacksonville on Saturday. The One Walk event was hosted at the University of North Florida, JB Coxwell Ampitheater on April 22 and welcomed over 1,500 individuals on both corporate and family teams for a 5K walk around campus.

This year was all about celebrating the T1D warriors in our Greater Jacksonville community. The program started with a T1D parade, featuring children and adults donned in special capes divided into groups by how many years they have conquered living with T1D.

Chad Muma, Jacksonville Jaguars #48 who lives with T1D, encouraged the crowd with a few words. “Whether it’s playing sports, going to school, whatever it is, always embrace your diabetes and make sure you never let it hold you back.” In the spirit of the event, he also made note to thank all those who love someone with T1D, “I want you all to see all the support here today and I want you to look to your supporters and just thank them today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support from my family, friends, and girlfriend. Thank you!”

The highlight of Chad’s presence on stage was presenting his NFL My Cause My Cleats to a surprised Ben Beck, a local teenager who lives with T1D. “As a mom to a T1D, I’m grateful JDRF has partnered with Chad to bring hope to our type 1 diabetes community, and for the many years of support the Jaguars Foundation has provided our community,” says Sarah Beck.

Wawa, a generous corporate partner, provided food and beverages for all attendees to enjoy, as well as volunteers to encourage and cheer on all walkers. The first mile of the 5K, the “Mile of Hope”, featured children and adults living with T1D, showing how T1D can strike at any age and granting hope to those walking the route that you can live a healthy life.

JDRF Northern Florida will conclude their Walk season with the Greater Tampa Bay One Walk on Saturday, April 29, in addition to the Greater Orlando One Walk that occurred on April 16.

All funds raised go to support research directly impacting children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. The date for the 2024 One Walk will be announced in the fall. To make a contribution to JDRF Northern Florida visit http://walk.jdrf.org/jacksonville2023.

About T1D

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org.