Ardens 9th JDRF Walk

Arden was diagnosed in August of 2006 and we participated in our first JDRF Walk two months later. Yesterday was Arden's ninth consecutive walk, and this year we did things a little differently.

We tried not to squint but the sun was strong!

In the past our group has been seventy people strong, other times we've walked with a dozen friends, six people came one year, we usually have team shirts – yesterday it was just us. We didn't invite family or close friends, never sent an email or made a post on Facebook announcing the walk, heck our son even had something to do and couldn't make it for the first time.

Yesterday Kelly, Arden, myself and one of Arden's friends (Hi Jamiee) made our way on a windy and cold morning to the take the walk that has meant many different things over the years.

The first year we were still in shock from Arden's recent diagnosis when we went to the walk out of, what could be described as, a manic desperation to cure our daughter. Year two felt like giving back to the people who were diagnosed after Arden and we put so much effort into fund raising for the first five years. Over time the walk has been a celebration, a call to arms, always an opportunity to spread awareness, but yesterday I found myself reflecting for the first time.

Arden and Jaimee

"Can you believe this is our ninth walk?", I asked Kelly. See replied, "Can you believe Arden is ten years old... and how is our son fourteen!?". Time certainly does fly!

Here's Arden in 2006 at her first walk

The walk began on Sunday, as it always does, with a slow descent down a hill that this year was lined with signs that were adjourned with kid's faces and the details of their length of time with diabetes. When we reached Arden's sign my heart filled with an odd blend of pride and sadness. I wondered to myself how it was possible that in just one more year, we'd be doing this for a tenth time. After we took a picture of Arden's sign, she and Jaimee spent the walk on their scooters as Kelly and I strolled behind them enjoying the fall air (except for when a girl in front of us lit a cigarette - why?) and chatting. Early in the walk I shared with Kelly that I almost cried thinking about how long we've been at this diabetes thing and Kelly reminded me of the year that Arden wouldn't accept being held because she thought she would have to refund her donations if she didn't finish on her own. Overall I tried not to give type I too much of my attention, opting to enjoy our time together in the beautiful park. 

Kelly and Arden

Kelly and I did talk for a while about the possibility of making Arden's tenth walk into an event. It was nice to have this year to quietly walk alone, but I'm hopeful that next year will find us back with a huge, raucous group, because despite enjoying the low key nature of our morning - we missed everyone.

Maybe we'll see you next year for Arden's 10th JDRF walk!

Big Blue JDRF Walk

2013 JDRF Walk

On Sunday we participated in our eighth consecutive JDRF Walk. The walk provides something different for everyone. Community, support and hope are but a few of the good things that emanate from the gathering. I always think back to our first walk, it was just two months after Arden's diagnosis in 2006 and we were still reeling from the shock. The people that walked that day were each and every one, a stranger - but they helped me immeasurably just by being there. The stress that I felt was lightened when I saw so many living well with diabetes. Their presence made everything feel possible and the smiles on thier faces seemed to promise me that we were going to be okay. Today, eight walks later, I hope that our smiles have made someone else feel the same way.

And speaking of exercise and doing something good... When we got home from the walk each member of our family logged their information at Big Blue Test dot org.

from BigBlueTest.org

Since 2010, over 40,000 people helped themselves while helping more than 10,000 others. Most participants in the Big Blue Test experience an average blood sugar drop of 20% and by every Big Blue Test result a donation is made by the program sponsor to help others around the world with diabetes in need.The Big Blue Test is a program of the Diabetes Hands Foundation that encourages people with diabetes to test their blood sugar, exercise for 14-20 minutes, test again and share their experience on BigBlueTest.org. For every test, people with diabetes in need receive life-saving supplies through Big Blue Test grants that are awarded to humanitarian diabetes charities in the US and around the world, made possible thanks to the program sponsor. In 2013, the Big Blue Test grants will benefit two US-based initiatives (each will receive US$2,500) and an additional US$5,000 will support projects in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This year, we’re seeking to reach 20,000 Big Blue Test entries, which will translate into a donation that will help save lives.

I want to encourage each of you to find out more about how you can support The Big Blue Test with just a few moments of effort.

 

Tell Me About Your JDRF Walk

I'd like to begin the Arden's Day Anniversary Week celebration on a charitable note. I thought it would be nice if we shared what we love most about our JDRF walk experiences. Everyone who shares their thoughts in the comment section (under this post) will be entered into a drawing. Later, at the end of the week, Arden will pick one winner and my family will make a $50 donation to your walk effort! You can enter up until August 10, 2013 at 11:59PM est. Due to a typo in the entry date (Was originally listed as 8/10/13) the giveaway has been extended. Entries now excepted until August 18, 2013 at 11:59PM EST

I'll get us started...

There are a number of great reasons to walk with your local JDRF chapter and while I'm certain that each of you will have a different 'favorite' part to share, mine is without a doubt the sense of community that I instantly felt when I realized that everyone that was walking either had type I diabetes or loved someone who did.

That feeling helped to buoy me for a number of years after Arden's diagnosis and while I still enjoy that feeling, my reason for returning each year is no longer the same. Today, I walk so that there will be a community for others to draw support from because I know how much seeing that crowd of people meant to me. It's was the first time after Arden was diagnosed that I felt less alone. That's why I walk!

What's you favorite part of walking for the JDRF?

Arden (age 2) and Kelly at our first walk - 2006

other anniversary posts and giveaways

  'Anniversary Week Continues: Books and Video' - A video we made in 2008 to support type I advocacy and a book giveaway.

'Who wants a copy of Coco's First Sleepover?' - I have ten copies of the new Coco book to giveaway

Update on 2013-08-15 04:54 by Scott Benner

Due to a typo in the entry date (Was originally listed as 8/10/13) the giveaway has been extended. Entries now excepted until August 18, 2013 at 11:59PM EST

Arden's 2012 JDRF Walk

Later this month Arden will be walking for the seventh consecutive year to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She has walked every year since her diagnosis in 2006 and her efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the JDRF!

Arden's First JDRF Walk 2006

Making Walk Shirts 2008

In addition to walking for the past six years, Arden has attended multiple Promise Meetings, appeared in a local JDRF commercial and more to support the good work that the JDRF does. If you would like to walk with Arden this year or make a donation in honor of her efforts, please see the information below.

We would be ever grateful if you were moved to make a donation, but it would be even more wonderful if you are able to join us for the walk.

You can make a donation or join our walk team at this link. 

Walk Date: October 28

Location: Bucks County Community College - Newtown, PA - Google Maps Link

Time: Walk begins at 10, we usually arrive between 9:15 and 9:30

Please let me know in the comments if you plan on walking so I can contact you the day before with meet up details.

Have a wonderful day and thank you for your love and advocacy!

Scott

Jdrf Walk: 2011

Arden and Dan Stewart at the 2010 walk

A number of weeks ago I sent an email to every person that had every made a donation to Arden's JDRF walk. I thanked them for their past generosity and informed them that I would not activly be collecting money for the JDRF this year. I honestly felt like everyone could use a break. 

We are still walking on October 23 and invite everyone to join us and we still belive 100% in the charity, please don't think otherwise. We simpley wanted to acknowledge that we understand how valuable your time and money is, say thank you and take a break.

If you want to walk with Arden on the 23, simply sign up at this link and I'll send you the details as the day gets closer.

Let me say in closing that if you would still like to make a donation to the JDRF, that is wonderful and you can still donate through Arden's link. I just won't be reminding you about it every few days as I have in the past.