Haymarket Park hosts 2018 Walk to End Type 1 Diabetes

On Sunday, thousands of people were walking for a good cause at Haymarket park for the JDRF Lincoln and Greater Nebraska Chapter annual walk to end type 1 diabetes.

More than 4,000 supporters, including teams representing local businesses, families, schools and other organizations participated in the one mile trek around the pedestrian bridge.

“We are so fortunate to have such amazing support from our community year after year, our families, companies, they come and really support the community impacted by type 1,” said JDRF Lincoln Executive Director Jayne Ullstrom.

All proceeds raised will be used to fund research for better treatment, prevention and hopefully, a cure.

Maddie Elbracht has been participating on these walks since she was a baby.

“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 14 months old and I am 17 now so I’ve had it for 16 years.  Today is our 16th walk. We come every year. It’s just a really good opportunity to raise money for a good cause and walk for something that is obviously very personal to me,” said Elbracht.

Today’s walk in Lincoln is one of 200 nationwide that brings hundreds of thousands of people together each year with the same vision: To create a world without type 1.

“Walk days are one of my favorite days, it is so great to see everyone with their team t-shirts on, supporting one another and just all coming together for a common cause.  We have support groups out there but walk day brings together so many different people from all around Nebraska,” said Elbracht.

Since 1992, the event has raised more than $1 billion for Type 1 Diabetes research.

It has led to life–changing drugs, treatments and devices, many of which have already moved into clinical trials and real–world testing.

The goal was to raise over $320,000 dollars for additional research into type 1 diabetes. Event organizers say they are on pace to reach that goal.

For more information on how to get involved with this cause, head to www.jdrf.org.