Our son John was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) two years ago. It is an insidious disease that requires constant vigilance and care. He has to test his blood at least 10 times a day, wear an insulin pump 24 hours a day, and count every carbohydrate he eats. But, this is not a sob story or a tale of misery, rather a message of hope and courage.

John faces this disease each day with determination. He understands and accepts the risks but shrugs them off to live his life and enjoy his friends and family! His courage and spirit inspire the family to focus on what is important. John does not let his disease stop him from embracing life. The picture featured is two years ago in the hospital when he was diagnosed and this spring competing in a road race!

One night, a few days after we got home from the hospital, he asked me: “Daddy—is T1D forever?” I responded that unfortunately I am not a researcher or scientist so I do not have the skills to find a cure for his disease, but I do know the people who CAN CURE his disease—and that’s JDRF. Together as a family we decided to do whatever it takes to fund JDRF and their mission to turn Type One into Type None.

Last year, we gathered together 12 great friends to run Reach the Beach, a 200-mile relay race across New Hampshire, and raise money for JDRF. Two amazing things happened for our team, Agony of DuhFeet. First, the team had an incredibly fun bonding experience and, second, we raised $43,000 for a charity we care so very much about.

Word spread about how much fun we had and many individuals wanted to not just donate money, but to run the race as well! As a result, in 2015 Agony of DuhFeet is fielding four teams and 48 runners for Reach the Beach in September. T1D affects many more people than you may realize—in fact, Agony of DuhFeet will be participating on behalf of five family members who have T1D. Please join us in the fight against this terrible autoimmune disease. At present, there is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and nothing you can do to get rid of it. TOGETHER we can change that!

– The Wallace and Chang Family

To support Agony of Duhfeet please visit: http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/AOD. With just a few easy clicks you can make a meaningful difference! We are running for our children, our spouses and everyone living with T1D.