JDRF Western Wisconsin Chapter

Yahara Elementary School raised $6,131.53 dollars to help support Type 1 Diabetes research at their May 5^th Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes!

Colby and Jeremy Spangler are two terrific siblings with T1D who attend Yahara Elementary School in DeForest, Wisconsin.  Colby was diagnosed with T1D when she was 18 months and Jeremy was diagnosed when he was 6 months. During the Kids Walk program at Yahara, Jeremy and Colby had a special opportunity to participate in JDRF’s assembly as well as take the lead in our classroom outreach and the walk. Colby and Jeremy showed their insulin pumps to everyone, talked about blood sugar highs and lows with their peers and demonstrated a blood sugar check as well. Both kids are very energetic and love staying active. Colby loves softball, tennis and swimming while Jeremy enjoys baseball, soccer and kickball. Both agree that other schools should participate in the JDRF Kids Walk program to cure diabetes and to learn more about diabetes. Colby said she feels like her classmates now know more about diabetes. 

Paul Spangler, Colby and Jeremy’s Dad, agrees that these JDRF Kids Walks are important because they help raise money to cure type 1 diabetes and because it helps raise diabetes awareness. He noted that prior to the walk Colby and Jeremy’s peers were probably aware that each wears an insulin pump, but did not necessarily make the connection between the insulin pump and type 1 diabetes. He also says that JDRF Kids Walks not only inform students but their parents and families as well about diabetes.

The Kids enjoyed a 2 mile walk/run in the beautiful neighborhood area surrounding the school and were treated to popsicles at the end. Colby walked with her Grandpa, Jenny and Rufus the Bear.  Jeremy walked with his Dad, the PE teacher, and his friends.