JDRF held a walk sponsored by Nova Southeastern University that started at the Alvin Sherman Library at 8:30 a.m. on April 9 in an effort to raise awareness and inform others about Type 1 diabetes.
JDRF is an organization that supports Type 1 diabetes by holding multiple walkathon events, such as One Walk to fight for individuals who are trying to conquer Type 1 Diabetes. In addition to being co-sponsored by NSU, other sponsors for the JDRF One Walk included Wawa, The Wawa Foundation, Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital and the Beckman Coulter Foundation.
They have raised over $100,000 for the Davie One Walk during the month of March and have a donation goal of $350,579. The organization supports millions of individuals who have this disease by using the ability to connect with others within their community and beyond.
JDRF is an organization that spreads awareness by hosting these walks. There are estimated to be 150 walks across the country that all have the same purpose and goal.
Samira Hemraj, development coordinator for JDRF, explained how her position allowed her to assist in the walks.
“So as the development coordinator, my main role is to assist the development manager, our executive director and market director with any essential needs with coordinating volunteers, assisting with teams, creating graphics and creating our ‘Path of hope’ signs,” said Hemraji.
According to JDRF, “Each year, JDRF One Walk brings together thousands of people across the country to change the future for everyone living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). JDRF One Walk gives people with T1D, their loved ones, companies and the local community the opportunity to create change and positively impact the lives of those living with T1D.”
Hemraji states JDRF’s the overall message of what the organization stands for.
“The main message that JDRF has is that Type 1 diabetes is a chronic and life-threatening autoimmune illness that strikes both children and adults at any age, and it is onset and sudden and it is related to diet and lifestyle,” said Hemraji.
Hemraji also discussed how grateful she was that the walk was held on NSU’s campus.
“We are really excited to have it at [NSU], it’s a beautiful campus and central location for everyone to meet at and we hope that students can also get involved in our walk,” said Hemraji.
While the walk has passed, if you are still interested in donating or learning more about the JDRF organization, you can visit https://www.jdrf.org/.
