Walking for a diabetes cure - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Ottawa Park was filled with more than 1,000 people lacing up their shoes and walking to raise money for diabetes research Saturday morning.

Lori Lamb from the local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation says they raised $120,000 this years and they will continue to raise funds through November 6th.

The JDRF is a national non-profit that focuses on Type 1 diabetes which can strike children or adults of any age at any time.

One hundred twenty teams participated in the walk, including Andon's Army, formed by Carrie Marks whose son was diagnosed at age four. She says coping with the condition is a struggle.

"Giving shots to your child, poking their finger numerous times a day. And that's just the physical stuff of it. You have to worry about the highs and lows."

Joe Smith, Vice President of the local JDRF chapter says, "Checking their blood sugar five or six times a day, making sure they eat right, watching all their mood changes. Just to try to manage what's going on with them. It's tough on the family."

Smith had been involved with the walk since his now 15-year-old daughter was diagnosed with diabetes at age two. He says the fundraising event makes a big difference.

"I've been around long enough to see those strides and see things happen with the money that's raised so I'm 100% confident its going to the right place and they're doing the right things with it. It's just an awesome celebration of the people that are fighting to cure this disease and it shows all the care and love and support and its just awesome."

To donate to the JDRF, visit their website at this link.

13abc sponsored the walk and Diane Larson served as honorary chair.