Medicine Hat Breakthrough T1D Walk returns Sunday aiming to boost diabetes research funding

Scott McRae, regional director for Western and Northern Canada with Breakthrough T1D, said the event serves an important purpose.

“To build the type 1 diabetes community, it can be an extremely lonely and difficult disease for people,” McRae said.

“It’s a way to bring people together, to sort of connect with one another, to have a great time, to learn some tips and tricks, and just to normalize life with this disease.”

The walk also serves as a fundraiser.

“We put that money towards working towards a cure and to improving the lives of people living with type 1,” McRae said.

McRae said most of the money raised supports research, including projects taking place in Alberta.

“We’ve got an incredible hub up in Edmonton of researchers, and Western Canada in general is very strong with our diabetes research,” McRae said.

Funding also supports programs for people newly diagnosed with the disease, including educational materials and the organization’s Rufus the Bear with Diabetes initiative.

McRae said the event has become a tradition for many families living with type 1 diabetes.

“It’s been so positively received by the type 1 community. It’s an event people look forward to every year,” McRae said.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, followed by the walk at 11 a.m.

McRae said public support remains important because many people do not see the daily challenges faced by those living with the disease.

“It can be a very invisible disease,” McRae said.

“People do not see the struggle that those living with the disease go through day to day,” he added.

“The community support is so appreciated by those living with it. It truly does touch people’s hearts.”

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Breakthrough T1D Walk returns Sunday aiming to boost diabetes research funding

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