A Cochrane mother and son duo are once again leading the charge to raise awareness and funds for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) with the annual JDRF Breakthrough T1D Walk, set to take place Sunday, June 8 at Mitford Park.
Now in its third year, the walk began after Brodie Rosene, now a Grade 8 student, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age.
“When I was younger, we found out that I had Type 1 diabetes,” said Brodie. “So my mom wanted to do a walk to raise money for kids like me, and for people with Type 1 diabetes, to help find something that could help everybody with it.”
What started as a small community gathering has since grown into a major event. This year, the Cochrane group has raised nearly $9,000, just six dollars shy of that milestone as of this week.
“It’s amazing,” Brodie said. “I never thought we would actually go this far. I mean, I kind of did, but I’m just so surprised that we actually did. It’s amazing.”
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His mom, Megan Hamel, says the growth of both donations and community support has been incredible.
“Every year, it seems to double,” she said. “We're very, very proud of ourselves and proud of the community for stepping up and contributing to these kids. These kids need to live a life just like any other kid.”
The walk helps raise funds for JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), which supports research and programs aimed at easing the burden of T1D and eventually finding a cure.
“They’re so close to creating a life where kids don’t have to do finger pokes, or take insulin every day, or worry about affording their supplies,” said Hamel. “We’re lucky Brodie has coverage, but not everyone does.”
Brodie shared advice for other kids who may be newly diagnosed: “Never give up. Stay strong. Even if it seems too hard, there’s always someone who’s willing to help you.”
The walk kicks off Sunday at 11 a.m. at Mitford Park, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. The event is family-friendly with games, snacks, hot dogs, cookies, coffee, and juice, and walk-up participants are welcome. Donations will be accepted onsite or can be made ahead of time here.
Hamel says what makes her most proud is watching Brodie turn a personal diagnosis into something that gives back.
“Brodie is a diabetic pillar in this community,” she said. “You’d never know just by looking at him what he goes through daily, and I’m so proud of how he’s turned it into something positive for others.”