By Jed Lanyon
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk will return to Healesville after a successful first year which saw over $11,000 raised to help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
Healesville resident Beck Collins hosted the inaugural event last year and said she is looking forward to seeing the spirit of the Healesville community again, while raising awareness for the auto-immune condition.
“Last year we had about 200 walkers… We’re hoping to get even more walkers again this year,” Ms Collins said.
Ms Collins invites those with Type 1 Diabetes or friends and family of someone who has the condition to get involved and register for the four kilometre walk at the Don Road Sporting Complex.
“Most people were from the Yarra Valley but some were from beyond. I know people who came from Pakenham and Frankston and they’ll be doing it again this year.”
Ms Collins’ son Jack was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of four.
She said that the 11-year-old loves getting involved in the walk and acts as a big confidence boost.
“It’s great just seeing his face knowing that he’s not the only one and that there are others out there like him.
“Several kids and adults will be doing their finger pricks before the walk to make sure they are right to participate.”
Ms Collins said that Jack’s classmates at Healesville Primary have been very supportive.
“The students know the signs and know what to do if his blood sugar levels are low,” she said.
“We’re really lucky that everyone around him knows and is able to help Jack if he does go low.
“If it does happen and it goes untreated, it can be quite dangerous… The seriousness of the disease isn’t quite widely known.”
The JDRF One Walk isn’t just for kids as the event will see plenty of adults with the condition join in, including Launching Place resident Caroline Smith who has been living with the condition for 22 years.
Following the event, participants will be able to take part in a sausage sizzle, face painting, colouring station and games on the oval.
Ms Collins invites locals to form a small fundraising team of people who will be taking part in the walk.
To register a team for the walk or to donate, visit https://walk.jdrf.org.au/find-a-walk/vic/healesville.
