Jenna Anderson knows what it’s like to live with diabetes, and that’s why it meant so much to her to see over 2,000 people walk for a cure yesterday.
A dozen of Anderson’s closest friends and family members showed their support by walking five kilometres with her for the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes at Stanley Park, helping contribute to a record-breaking $413,179 fundraising tally.
“It means so much to me for my friends and family to come here with me and walk. It definitely makes a difference,” the teen said.
“It’s a really nice day to spend with friends and family.”
Shelley Swirski, regional manager of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, was overcome with emotion at the outpouring of support in breaking the fundraising goal.
“It’s overwhelming to see so many people out here with their friends and family. It’s a tremendous turnout, I think our best ever,” Swirski said. “It’s a tremendous effort in finding a cure for a disease that touches so many lives.”
Lori Helland and her four-year-old daughter Charlie trekked all the way from Vulcan for the special event and towed along dozens of friends and family in matching white team T-shirts.
“Charlie has been living with diabetes since she was 18 months old and this is something everyone does every year. It’s amazing everyone comes together,” Helland said.
