The sun rises bright and early in the heart of Dallas, shining upon thousands of families, friends, children and adults. Love and music fill the air as crowds and crowds of participants arrive. A sea of countless colorful t-shirts moves about the grassy field. Loud laughs and smiling faces fill the view at every angle. Loud music, chanting, and singing brighten the already lively mood of the JDRF [Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation] walk as the event is about to kick off.
The JDRF walk is an event that not only raises money but also awareness for diabetes, specifically type one diabetes which is usually diagnosed during childhood. The September 26 event supported the cause by hosting annual walks around the country. Thanks to generous donors, the JDRF walk raised over one billion dollars nationally this year, money used to treat 40,000 children diagnosed with juvenile diabetes each year. This year, major cities around the country were chosen to host this walk. Since Dallas was lucky enough to host this significant event, a few of Jesuit students leaped at the opportunity to help lead it.
Ignatian Service Corps member Felix Kimbrell ‘17 volunteered at the event after “helping in the past with previous walks.” Felix set up the stations and guided parking, directing participants and volunteers into their designated parking lots. He also commented that “it felt good to give back to the community” by serving at the walk, demonstrating his passion for being a man for others. At the walk, he found that there was “an absolute sense of love” which helped brighten the mood and gave the atmosphere a “sense of community.” Even though only 500 signed up to attend the walk, over 2000 showed up, a significant turnout that helped save many suffering people with JDRF. Due to the success of the walk and its positive vibes, Felix told The Roundup that he “absolutely recommends the event” and that “everyone should at least once in their high school career come out to help support the cause.”
Also attending the JDRF walk, Erik Sanchez ’17 served the community by delivering snacks and drinks to participants. While carrying out his service, Sanchez, like Felix, noticed a “lively and community-based environment.” Additionally, “being a part of the movement to help the cause…made the service opportunity meaningful.” For Sanchez, the event hit close to home as he has family members suffering from type one diabetes, an event that gives not only him but also all those across the country who know someone suffering from type one diabetes hope.
The JDRF walk was certainly a success and a brightening eye opener for the awareness of juvenile diabetes. The event achieved its mission to bring hope for people suffering from this challenging disease. For those who have not taken part in the JDRF walk, I would recommend volunteering at the event for the joy it brings both to yourself and to others.
