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Walking toward a cure

By on October 9, 2013

About 2,000 people walked the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s North Haven Walk to Cure Diabetes this Sunday on the North Haven campus. The three-mile walk raised $97,777.57 and spread awareness for type 1 diabetes, according to JDRF’s website.

diabetesonlineCaroline Tufts

JDRF is the leading organization focused on type 1 diabetes research. It raises money through events and donations that go toward research for type 1 diabetes.

Approximately 80 people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes daily, according to the JDRF website. Type 1 diabetes (in children referred to as juvenile diabetes) currently affects roughly three million Americans. This autoimmune disease is non-preventable and can not be cured.

The event was open for anyone to participate. Many people formed teams to raise money and walk in support of someone that has been affected by this disease in their lives.

“It was very rewarding to be a part of a good cause and to see so many people come together in support of the fight against diabetes,” junior nursing student Haley Naccarato said. “This experience was helpful in understanding how serious the issue of diabetes is in America and was something that will help me progress as a future nurse.”

The target goal was to raise $343,141 by the end of the walk. Months leading up to the walk, money was raised through sneaker sales and donations from people and businesses. Donation booths were also available at the event.

Organizations such as QU Student Nurses Association, School of Education, Future Teachers Organization, Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Delta Pi , Kappa Alpha Theta, the acrobatics and tumbling team, the Ballroom Society and many more came out to show their support.

“A huge amount of people were there, even though it was one of the most rainy days we’ve seen in a while,” junior President of the Asian Student Alliance Neha Malhorta said. “The walk also gave me a chance to bond with my ASA members and find out more about them. The energy of the JDRF volunteers was phenomenal and very positive.”

Stop & Shop, Quinnipiac University, ShopRite and Subway are a few of the many sponsors that support this cause.

“The JDRF walk is a great cause and one that is a good fit with our nursing mission,” said Jean Lange, honorary chairwoman of the walk and dean of the school of nursing. “The organization is funding research that should lead to a major breakthrough in the not too distant future. JDRF’s work is critical to the health of our nation.”

Since 1992, JDRF has raised more than $1 billion through walks just like this one. JDRF hosts more than 200 walks all over the United States every year, which makes it easy for anyone to get involved in this cause.

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