The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is holding its seventh annual fundraising walk at Cranbrook’s Idlewild Park on Sunday, Sept. 30 and their stated goal for this year is $20,000.

Patricia Taylor of the JDRF and Haley Moldenhauer, a 23-year-old Cranbrook resident with Juvenile Diabetes, appeared before City of Cranbrook council Sept. 10, to update them on the walk, invite them to attend and participate and provided information about Juvenile Diabetes (JD), which six percent of Canada’s two million diabetics have.

“It is the most severe form” of diabetes,” Taylor said, because it appears so suddenly in people. “It is not preventable and can’t be outgrown,” she told council.

Moldenhauer said she first began suffering from JD when she was 19.

“My life was drastically changed,” she said, noting the JDFR’s work has helped her a great deal.

“I will never forget the day I was given a perm (permanent) diagnosis,” she said, outlining how difficult her pronounced change in life was. Before receiving an insulin pump, via the JDRF, she underwent 11,000 injections in the first three years, including another 5,700 blood sugar level checks a year.

The insulin pump “has changed my life dramatically,” she said, as she now only has to endure 120 shots a year.

“I was what they call a brittle diabetic,” Moldenhauer said. “I still have my bad days but they are much farther between. I go through a lot of test strips and I am so afraid of needles! Still am! I get frustrated a lot but because of these of these amazing developments, I am still here.”

Taylor pointed out that “research dollars make a huge difference.”

The JDRF Telus walk begins with an 11 a.m. registration and a 1 p.m. start. A barbecue is planned for after the walk. Along with the fundraising walk, there will be a bouncy castle, face painting, a live band, silent auction and nurses will be on hand to conduct tests for blood sugar levels.

There will also be a raffle for an autographed jersey by Nashville Predators superstar defenseman Shea Weber.

“A lot of businesses around town have been very generous,” Taylor noted, asking the city to donate the rental of Idlewild Park and to move some bleachers in the park.

City council unanimously agreed to donate the rental of the park (about $200), out of council’s contingency fund.

Council lauded Moldenhauer for appearing before them.

“Haley – I really admire the courage you have, to share your story,” remarked Coun. Angus Davis.

Coun. Sharon Cross agreed. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” she said.

Coun. Diana J Scott said JD is especially difficult on children. “It’s a lot of responsibility for young people” to keep on top of all that needs to be considered after being diagnosed, she said, adding she plans on attending the walk.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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