Saline Resident Has Raised More than $100,000 for Diabetes Research

Elizabeth Caswell, of Saline, has raised more than $100,000 on her own to help fund research for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

Her motivation is obvious. Her 7-year-old son must check his blood sugar eight to 10 times a day, because it can fluctuate greatly just from the beginning to the end of recess at school. Her 11-year-old son was just diagnosed earlier this week. Her husband has been diabetic for 24 years.

For three years running, she has been the top fundraiser for JDRF's (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Walk to Cure Diabetes near Ann Arbor on Sept. 23. Her team goal for this year is $35,000.

Of the approximately 80 people per day who are diagnosed with T1D, half are children. The onset isn't caused by diet or lifestyle, but strikes suddenly, changing a person's life forever as incorrectly counting sugar and carbs can have devastating effects.

To raise funds for important research to develop a cure for T1D, JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) invites the Southeast Michigan and Ann Arbor communities to “Walk to Cure Diabetes.”

The Walk to Cure Diabetes events take place Sunday, September 23 at the GM Tech Center in Metro Detroit and Hudson Mills Metropark near Ann Arbor. JDRF estimates more than 7,500 Southeast Michigan walkers will raise $1.65 million to help fund research for prevention, treatment and/or a cure for T1D and its complications.

“Each day, people with type 1 diabetes must overcome the constant challenges of the disease, monitoring blood sugar levels and taking the proper dosages of insulin,” said Kate Durak, executive director for JDRF Metro Detroit, Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio Chapter. “Just as they must be committed to their health, we are devoted to funding the research that could offer them better treatments or develop a cure. The Walk to CureDiabetes is an important way we support one another emotionally and financially.”

The Walks will feature food, entertainment, children’s activities and special attractions. Walkers will enjoy a 1.5 mile walk at the GM Tech Center and a 5K stroll through Hudson Mills Metropark. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. The Walks begin at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine, and conclude at 11:30 a.m.

Walkers can register at walk.jdrf.org. There is no registration fee to participate, but participants are encouraged to raise pledges to support research vital to finding a cure for T1D. Walkers raising $100 or more will receive a JDRF Walk t-shirt the day of the event. Walkers raising $200 or more are eligible for prizes ranging from JDRF branded merchandise to electronics, toys and housewares.

 *Information provided by walk.jdrf.org.