JDRF’s Greater Delaware Valley Chapter to host One Walk, Sunday, October 29
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Annual JDRF One Walk Returns to South Jersey
to raise funds for Type 1 Diabetes research
BLACKWOOD, N.J., Oct. 16, 2023 ― On Sunday, October 29, the JDRF Greater Delaware Valley Chapter kicks off its annual JDRF One Walk South Jersey at Camden County Community College, Blackwood Campus.
Aiming to raise $200,000 to help fund critically needed type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, the event, organized by JDRF Greater Delaware Valley volunteers, is expected to attract local supporters, including teams representing local businesses, families, schools, and other organizations. The event is one of approximately 130 JDRF One Walks nationwide that brings together hundreds of thousands of people each year who share JDRF’s vision to create a world without T1D.
“Since our founding in 1970, we’ve witnessed remarkable advancements in research, from innovative devices to significant breakthroughs in stem cell therapies and advancements in early detection,” explains Lindsay Fortese, Executive Director, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. “The funds raised by the South Jersey community will play a vital role in turning the vision of a world without T1D into a reality.”
The JDRF One Walk South Jersey route is approximately three miles long, with festivities starting at 8:30a.m.
A t-shirt contest, Kid’s Zone, and music will be part of the fun, with a walk kick-off at 10:00a.m.
New this year, the event will include a T1D parade where participants will line up in the order of years since their T1D diagnosis, each taking their well-deserved turn in the spotlight. It will serve as a moving tribute, reminding everyone why they gather to make a difference.
The event will also feature a Gen Z T1D experience. Sponsored by the Five Below Foundation, this dedicated zone will cater to teens and young adults with T1D, offering activities and the opportunity to connect.
Returning this year, Wawa and The Wawa Foundation, a long-time partner of JDRF, will have associate volunteers onsite distributing free food and beverages from the Community Care Vehicle. Also expected is a special guest appearance by mascot Wally Goose.
JDRF encourages people of all ages driven to support a great cause to participate in the JDRF One Walk South Jersey. Pre-registration is available at http://walk.jdrf.org/SouthJersey
JDRF One Walk is the largest and most powerful peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world for T1D. It is comprised of a community that is dedicated to supporting the millions of people living with T1D each day. Whether they have a direct connection to the disease or not, everyone who joins JDRF One Walk is united and passionate about showing their support in accelerating life-changing breakthroughs that get us closer to a cure and providing hope to those affected by T1D.
JDRF gratefully acknowledges its local corporate partners for JDRF One Walk South Jersey, including Wawa and The Wawa Foundation, Five Below Foundation, and Morey’s Piers.
For questions about One Walk South Jersey, email Shandy Perez at [email protected] or call (302) 582-0423
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About T1D
T1D is an autoimmune disease that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to long-term complications which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage in the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. It is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and early puberty, but diagnosis in adulthood is on the rise and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset is sudden and nothing can be done to prevent it yet—it is not related to diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
About JDRF
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 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 five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (facebook.com/JDRFGDV), and Instagram (instagram.com/JDRFGDV).