Liz Thomas is walking for a cure this October. It’s called the One Walk Step Challenge and aims to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). 

“My whole life changed 35 years ago, this month,” says Liz.  She was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes at 17 years of age, and this happened six weeks before sitting her HSC exams.

So, after approximately 35,000 needle injections, 32,000 finger pricks and 180 extra decisions each and every day, Liz says, “I am acknowledging this 35-year milestone by joining the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - One Walk Step Challenge. I will be taking 8,000 steps a day during October.”

Eight Australians are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes every day. JDRF has over 50 research projects active across Australia, with Professors Jenny Couper, Simon Barry and Toby Coates heading up the research team. JDRF also hosts Research Symposiums where researchers can share information and celebrate breakthroughs. 

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that can develop at any age. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent T1D, and right now there is no known cure. When someone develops type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells instead of defending against foreign invaders. In this case, the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts glucose from food into energy for the body. Without enough insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous condition.

Liz doesn't know any other Type 1's around her age in the Kiama Community and thinks that it would be great to meet others who understand. She is asking for local support for her walk, “so together we can assist life-changing research that aims to improve lives and find a cure.”

Anyone can join Liz on any day, and there is no cost or registration. Liz says, “The fundraising support is amazing, but it is also about awareness.” 

Join ‘Team Thomas 35’ [https://walk.jdrf.org.au/fundraisers/teamthomas35] to raise awareness and funds for further research! In Kiama she will be walking from the Rockpool at 6.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays (starting from Thursday 5 October) and from the Kiama Downs Surf Club on Saturday mornings (from 7 October) at 9am (with coffee afterwards). 

For more info or to donate go to: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1706406469871332/1706406479871331/ OR