Previous Breakthrough T1D in the Dallas area. Courtesy photo.
The Northern Texas and Oklahoma Chapter of Breakthrough T1D, the nonprofit that aims to “cure, prevent and treat Type 1 diabetes and its complications,” is hosting its annual walk on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Our local Breakthrough T1D chapter headquarters is located near Vickery Meadow, but the walk will take place at Grandscape in The Colony. A ceremony and parade will start at 9 a.m. The T1D Champions Parade is meant to recognize people living with Type 1 diabetes (over a million in America), according to a press release. The Flag Ceremony is a new addition to this year’s walk where attendees will wave flags specific to their connections with Type 1 diabetes. The walk site opens an hour prior to those festivities and also includes activities, resources and entertainment. The walk will officially begin at 9:30 a.m., and there will be refreshments and activities at 10 a.m.
In honor of the walk, which raises money for the nonprofit’s initiatives and awareness of Type 1 diabetes, Lakewood couple Lindsey and Andrew Verity shared their story. Both were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at young ages.
“My involvement with Breakthrough T1D began with their annual walks and later through the Dallas adult meetup group, where I found a wonderful community of friends who truly understood life with T1D,” Andrew said in the press release. “This year, I celebrated my 50th “diaversary” — 50 years of living with Type 1. It’s a milestone I never could have imagined as a child!”
Lakewood couple Lindsey and Andrew Verity with their daughters. Courtesy photo.
Lindsey, who was diagnosed at age 16, remembers her parents getting involved in Breakthrough T1D’s walks right away.
“They were always eager to learn about research, technology updates and local resources,” she said in the press release. “When I moved back to Dallas years later, I began attending Breakthrough T1D’s adult meetup group, the Dallas Area Diabetic Adults (DADA). I was looking to make some connections and learn more about what support was available, and I found such a welcoming community. Since then, I’ve loved participating in the annual walks and volunteering as an outreach volunteer and with the gala’s silent auction.”
In fact, Lindsey and Andrew met through DADA and are now married with children.
“Breakthrough T1D has become part of our family story, too,” they said in the release. “It’s given us friendships, support, encouragement and a reminder that we’re never alone in this journey. We’re so grateful for the research and advances that Breakthrough T1D makes possible — they’ve given us the freedom to live such full, active and joyful lives.”
For this year’s Breakthrough T1D Walk, the Veritys hope to inspire with Andrew’s story of 50 years with Type 1 diabetes. They also want the walk to bring community connection and raises money to continue Type 1 diabetes research.
“Breakthrough T1D funds groundbreaking research focused on preventing Type 1 Diabetes, improving the quality of life for those living with it, and ultimately finding a cure,” the couple said in the release. “The walk plays a critical role in raising the funds that make this research possible, and I hope we surpass every fundraising record yet!”
Check out the walk route here, and click here to walk (virtually or in person), volunteer or donate.
