According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, there are 90,000 people diagnosed with diabetes in Saskatchewan, which is one in 13 residents. There is no question that this disease affects all of us in the province. The family and friends of Jared Berrns know too much how this disease hurts. Jared was just 30 years old when complications from Type 1 diabetes took him away. Judy Berrns, Jared's mother, says "our family suffered the greatest loss ever when Jared passed away. But as a parent, we also fear another loss: because our child is no longer here, we worry that he or she will be forgotten." An event held in Jared's memory was started in 2013 by his extended family to support research as well as programs, services, and advocacy in our province.
In the second annual Jared's Run For Diabetes, 56 participants walked or ran in the event held at Burgis Beach on July 12, 2014. Pledges and donations collected that day totalled over $9000. Funds continued to come in resulting in a final donation cheque presented to Canadian Diabetes Association for $10,700.
Cara Humphrey, Development Coordinator Team Diabetes, says "funds raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association support the mission to lead the fight against diabetes, while helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Funds raised through events like Jared's Run for Diabetes support research as well as programs including the Traveling Diabetes Resource Program, D-Camps and Family camps for children living with diabetes, and our advocacy committee to support the efforts in creating better pathways to diabetes management and care."
Event organizers, Jared's extended family, tribute the success of this event to all the participants who came out in support as well as the major sponsors who came on board, Maple Farm Equipment, Mr. Mikes Steakhouse, Source Embroidery, Springside Lions Club, Omar's Welding, and Running Room Canada. Numerous local businesses and individuals donated raffle prizes which were handed out following the barbecue luncheon at the Burgis Beach Community Hall.
In closing remarks, Judy Berrns said "I know that Jared is with us here today - I know he would be humbled by it all and he would also be very proud. He would thank everyone and remind us to live life to the fullest, but above all, he would tell us to "be real".
In 2015, Jared's Run For Diabetes will be held July 11th at Burgis Beach.
