Hundreds walk to cure Juvenile Diabetes

AUSTIN, Texas-- Type One Diabetes affects more than one million Americans, with nearly a quarter of a million victims being children, that's according to the American Diabetes Association. The Austin Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and FOX 7 are fighting to get the numbers down to zero, by holding a walk for the cure each year.

Nineteen-year-old Charlotte Hannah was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at just 18-months-old.

“We test our blood sugar about six to seven times a day, and then count carbohydrates for everything we eat,” Hannah said.

For her, some days are harder than others.

“It can be very challenging. You have crazy blood sugar days for no reason,” she said. But the University of Texas sophomore has not let the disease hold her back. “You have a few more steps that you have to follow to make sure you're safe and healthy but you can do anything.”

She was one among hundreds at the FOX 7 sponsored Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walk. The organization holds more than 200 walks per year around the country, to educate and raise money for a cure.

“Juvenile Diabetes is something so many people are affected by, and what J.D.R.F. is doing to raise money to find a cure is incredibly important,” Hannah said.

The event puts into perspective just how close to home diabetes can hit.

“My nephew was diagnosed with Type One 15 years ago,” Vicki Aymond, Executive Director of the Austin chapter, said.

Type One is very different from Type Two. Type One is an autoimmune disease in comparison to Type Two, which can be brought on by diet type.

“It has nothing to do with diet and exercise. It has to do with their pancreas which basically shuts down,” Aymond said.

The group says they reached their goal of more than $500,000 raised and they'll continue to fight until type one, becomes type none.