"With the support of thousands of Canadians, they're working together to achieve this monumental milestone, one step at a time," was the statement by Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Telus as part of the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes fundraising effort across the country.
For the second year, JDRF held a walk in North Battleford in support of the research and fundraising. The walk includes 70 communities across the country and began 18 years ago.
Brianna Schnieder, a young girl from the Battlefords who has type 1 diabetes, asked her parents why a JDRF walk couldn't be done in the Battlefords. Through the help of JDRF that question was answered in a positive way as more than 75 people took part in the walk beginning at the Battleford Wildlife Federation Nature Centre.
The goal this year was to raise $7.9 million across the country and according to JDRF's fundraising and development co-ordinator for the Saskatoon chapter, Sherry Buckler, they are approaching their goal with a few walks left and money to be turned in.
The Battlefords participants raised more that $5,000 with some pledges still outstanding.
Brianna thanked everyone for their support and for walking Sunday. She also cut the ribbon and took steps toward finding a cure for her diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a non-preventable autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly and lasts a lifetime. More than 3,000 Canadians are diagnosed with the disease each year.
