My First Walk
Today was the first time that I participated in a walk for the JDRF. I had hoped to participate in the one in NYC a few weeks back, but life got in the way. So I found one on the Jersey side of the river and signed myself up a week and a half ago. I had intended to really just donate a few dollars from my own pocket, but upon registering found that I could send out an email and beg via the internet! I could only stand to gain by bringing a few bucks, and being that I come from a LARGE family, I knew my chances were pretty good at getting a couple of donations. :)
Grand Total - $555.00!!!!!
Not too bad for a week and a half...at least I thought. :)
I decided that I wanted to do this partly because it was something that I needed to do...to maybe see the bigger picture and be a part of something outside of myself. But what I gained that I never saw coming was the love and support from those closest to me. I have always known they were there, but to know that they cared about something because I cared and it touches me is more than words can say.
Perhaps the biggest reason for doing this was I wanted to walk for my father who also has Type 1 diabetes. He is 78 now and an insulin pumper. He has had diabetes for 48 years. When I was growing up, I never remember my father complaining about his diabetes. He spoke about it, but never did he let it stop him. He rarely missed work and he had a job that involved manual labor. He had severe lows at times...scary ones, but even those didn't stop him. I have him to thank for setting a good example of eating the right foods, taking his medication and seeing the doctors because when I was diagnosed, I already knew the things that were crutial to my health. So here he is at 78 with very minimal complications...almost nil. I hope that I (all of us) can achieve the same.
I am very glad that I chose to do this. It was wonderful to see how many people were out there fighting for a cure and walking in solidarity...and it was a beautiful scenic route around the Medco facility. A day well spent!!!!!
My Family
Starting Line
Diabetic Hill Rolling
Finish Line
