VALORIE EVERSOLE - Daily Union Staff Writer
CNHI
SHELBYVILLE, IL. —
A group of parents of diabetic children and other supporters have formed a Walk to Cure Diabetes in Shelbyville fundraising event.
The first annual event is set for Saturday, September 11, at the General Dacey Trail in Forest Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Walk is a local effort to find cure for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
One of the organizers for the event is a mother of a boy recently diagnosed with diabetes.
“Our son Nicholas (Hoehn) was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in March of this year,” said Crystal Austin. “Just for Nicholas to stay alive, he has to inject insulin four times a day, closely monitor his diet, and check his sugar levels six to ten times a day, everyday, and will continue this for the rest of his life unless a cure is found.”
Alissa Shasteen was diagnosed with diabetes shortly after her first birthday. She is now almost five years old.
Five-year-old Makynna Hopley was diagnosed about a year and a half ago.
“When she was diagnosed, I knew I had to be a part of this,” said Makynna’s great aunt Jodi Large. Large is also a Type I diabetic diagnosed when she was a child.
The walk is open to anyone. Registration fee is $20 per person and $10 for those ages 12 and under. The registration includes a meal. Forms are available at the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce office, 124 N. Morgan, or by calling 774-2221. There is a free prize for the first 100 people to sign up. Registration may also be done at the event.
The event also includes carnival games with tickets $1 each or 6 for $5. Shelby Memorial Hospital will be doing free blood sugar checks
There will be a bake sale on September 25 in the downtown minipark as an added fundraiser.
Other sponsors for the event include the Shelbyville Dairy Queen and Lockart Photography.
Donations may also be sent to the Chamber of Commerce
For more information, contact Austin at 217-343-4205 or by email at austincrystal186@yahoo.com.
More information about JDRF may be found at www.jdrf.org/stlouis.
