Mornings are a little different at the Larson household since their daughter Skyler was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes over four years ago.
Mom Danielle counts the carbs for Skyler. Dad Robert pulls a Dexcom CGM – a small device that monitors Skylar’s blood sugar levels automatically every five minutes and sends the results to the wireless monitor her father carries with him everywhere.
“It was life-changing,” Robert Larson said about the time his family learned their daughter had T1D. “In a heartbeat, our entire routine changed.”
Danielle Larson nodded.
“At first we thought it was just a UTI. The frequent urination… she really didn’t have any other symptoms,” said Danielle. “Now, we have to monitor everything, anything that could affect her blood sugar. It’s a constant roller-coaster.”
Skyler tries not to let it slow her down, though.
“I just want to be like a regular kid,” said Skyler. “I want to be a cop when I grow up.”
Hundreds of people gathered in Merrillville Sunday morning, finding their way to Hidden Lake Park to participate in the annual JDRF One Walk for a cure. Participants and volunteers enjoyed face painting, temporary tattoos, fresh snacks, juice and water and lunch after the walk.
Formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the organization changed their name a few years ago, now going by the initials JDRF.
“We changed the name because, though people are typically diagnosed when they’re children, those diagnosed have grown into adults. Over 80 percent of those diagnosed with T1D are now adults,” said Mary Anne McKenna Bryan, Senior Development Manager for JDRF. “It’s no longer just a juvenile disease – we have people who have grown into adults while we search for a cure.”
Mimi Crabtree, executive director of JDRF is extremely proud of the work her organization has done.
“JRDF is focused on raising dollars for research, but what we really do is bring communities together. Our aim is to unite families, communities and businesses and get them all together for these walks. Our goal is $4.3million dollars for this year,” said Crabtree. “The Illinois chapter holds 7 walks each year, which brings together a total of more than 30,000 walkers.”
“We are passionate about volunteering,” added Staci Wood, volunteer and former JDRF board member. “My son is TiD. It’s an invisible thing. You can’t see it, can’t tell just by looking if someone is T1D, but it’s always there, always on your mind.”
“It’s an exhausting way to live,” according to Crabtree. “It’s a really tough lifestyle. The technology has come a long way towards making life more manageable for those living with diabetes, then next step is a cure.”
Jeff Strack, CEO of Strack and Van Til, was once again on hand to be the event chair.
“Last year, we kind of came in at the last minute. Myself, our company and, most importantly, our customers. They needed someone to chair the event, and we agreed to do it. We all pulled together and raised $75,000 last year. This year, we’re back again, and we are looking to do over $100,000 for JDRF,” said Strack.
So far, the Merrillville JDRF walk has surpassed Strack's goal. As of Sunday afternoon, donations from the walk have risen above $105,000.
“My wife, Shawn and I, we don’t have anyone in our family who is affected, but you don’t have to look far to find someone whose life has been touched by diabetes," Strack said. "I just really would like to say thank you to everyone here today, and especially to our customers at Strack and Van Til. Their help in participating with our Round-Up and Sneaker Sales campaigns really made this a huge success. Big round of applause to those customers who helped, and to our employees.”
