Annual Detroit JDRF One Walk aims to raise $1 million for type 1 diabetes research

DETROIT – On Sunday, the JDRF Metro Detroit/South East Michigan Chapter kicks off its annual One Walk at the Detroit RiverWalk/Milliken State Park.

Striving to raise more than $1 million to help fund critically needed type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, the event is expected to attract more than 4,000 supporters, including teams representing local businesses, families, schools and other organizations.

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The event is one of approximately 200 JDRF One Walks nationwide bringing together hundreds of thousands of people each year who share JDRF’s vision to create a world without  T1D.

“Each year more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the United States,” explains Nikki Borges, JDRF Metro Detroit/South East Michigan Chapter executive director. “We are thankful for the City of Detroit, our volunteers, donors and the community for their continued support. Every participant and supporter of the JDRF One Walk helps us fund critical research that can lead to scientific breakthroughs and ultimately a cure.”

JDRF encourages people of all ages driven to support a great cause to participate in JDRF One Walk and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun, with food, entertainment, children’s activities and special attractions. Pre-registration is recommended and on-site check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Detroit RiverWalk.

The entire JDRF One Walk will be 1.2 miles long, along the beautiful Detroit River.
T1D is a chronic, life-threatening autoimmune disease striking children and adults at any age. In T1D, the body's immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production from the body.

T1D requires rigorous 24/7 monitoring of blood glucose levels to avoid devastating complications. T1D onset is sudden and unpreventable, and it is unrelated to diet or lifestyle.

JDRF One Walk is the largest and most powerful peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world for T1D. Since 1992, the event has raised more than $1 billion for T1D research. This funding has enabled research on how to prevent, delay and ultimately cure T1D.

It has led to life-changing drugs, treatments and devices, many of which have already moved into clinical trials and real-world testing.

JDRF gratefully acknowledges its presenting sponsors for JDRF Metro Detroit/South East Michigan Chapter’s Walk, including Ford Motor Company, BrassCraft Manufacturing, Douglas J, Michigan Center Lions Club, Absopure, Friendship Food Stores, McKinley, Inc. and TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants.