A Waupaca family is among those taking part in the Oct. 1 Central Wisconsin Walk to Cure Diabetes.
Ben and Ashely Gordon formed the “New Kicks on the Block” family team to participate in Saturday’s two-mile walk, and their 5-year-old daughter Aurora is their team captain.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Pfinner Park band shell in Stevens Point.
Aurora was diagnosed on Aug. 13 with type 1 juvenile diabetes.
“Our family is brand new to the lifestyle of a child with type 1 diabetes,” said Ashley. “It has been a huge change in our life, and that is an understatement.”
Aurora’s diet is closely monitored daily, and her blood levels are checked between five and ten times a day. She will have to receive insulin four times a day for the rest of her life, until there is a cure.
“That’s roughly 4,050 finger pricks and injections in one year,” Ashley said.
The Gordons have received training and support from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes through the support of research. The foundation is also committed to developing new and better treatments that improve the lives of those who have type 1 diabetes.
This weekend’s walk will raise funds for its work.
Those who want to donate or join the “New Kicks on the Block” team can go to www.jdrf.org and click on “Walk to Cure Diabetes” and then enter “New Kicks on the Block” as the team name.
“Our main goal,” Ashley said, “is to show Aurora that she has a large support group of friends, family and community that care. This walk will help Aurora understand she is not alone in the battle.”
For more information about how to help or volunteer, call Dana Paschen at 920-997-0038 or 866-233-3354.