ANKENY, Iowa — Breakthrough T1D hosted a walk on Saturday in support of the cure for type 1 diabetes and those living with the disease.

The Breakthrough T1D Walk was held at the DMARC campus in Ankeny, where crowds of families and supporters gathered for a 1.3-mile walk fundraiser to aid the search for a type 1 diabetes cure.

Breakthrough T1D was known as JDRF until June of 2024. Angie Schuman is a Breakthrough T1D committee member and explains the name change.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning it has lifelong effects, that is commonly diagnosed in childhood. Those who deal with T1D lack insulin, which turns food into energy, because their body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.

Rory was diagnosed with T1D in 2023. Since the diagnosis, her family has come to the last three walks in support of the cure and others who deal with type 1 diabetes.

The T1D Walk helps raise funds for research. According to their website, more than $260,000 was raised during the walk. Farmers Mutual Hail is a primary sponsor of the event, and their vice president says Saturday’s attendance was one of the largest he’s ever seen.

During the event, participants enjoyed vendors and activities while also learning more about T1D from others in the community. Brian attended the T1D walk for the first time on Saturday and says it’s nice to see so much support show up for the event.

To learn about Breakthrough T1D, the resources they offer, the search for a cure, and their fundraising efforts, visit their website.