Last week I shared that I signed up to volunteer at the Breakthrough T1D Walk Volunteer Day in North Texas. Well, the day came, and I’m still smiling. It was only a few hours, but it gave me something I didn’t expect to carry home: real hope.
Here’s what the day looked like, what I learned, and why I think every T1D family should go to one of these walks at least once.
What I Did as a Breakthrough T1D Walk Volunteer
Volunteers go wherever they’re needed, and that’s exactly what happened. I bounced between:
- The kids’ art area. Crayons, hairspray, face painting, and lots of proud little artists.
- Sign boards. Helping people find their way and cheer on their teams.
- The bubble station. Easily the happiest spot on site. Kids and adults alike.
- Greeting walkers as they arrived and welcoming them in.
- Anywhere else someone needed an extra pair of hands.
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering but felt unsure, don’t be. No experience needed. You show up, you help, and you leave feeling better than when you came. You also get a free t-shirt 🙂
The Moment That Made Me Emotional
Seeing so many people living with type 1 diabetes, surrounded by friends and families wearing team shirts and cheering each other on, hit me harder than I expected. T1D can feel invisible and lonely on a regular day. At the walk, it was the opposite. Everyone there got it. I had to blink back tears more than once.
The Diabetes Tech Tents Were Packed With Updates
One of the most helpful parts of the day was the vendor area. Companies were set up to answer questions in person, including:
- FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom (continuous glucose monitors)
- Omnipod (tubeless insulin pump)
- Beta Bionics (automated insulin delivery)
- Afrezza (inhaled insulin)
- Smart insulin pens
- CCS Medical (diabetes supplies)
- …and more
What excited me most? How many tubeless, automated insulin pump options are out there now, and how many more are on the way. Technology that adjusts insulin automatically with fewer tubes and less hassle means more freedom in everyday life. It’s moving fast.
Tip: If you’re curious about switching devices, a walk is a low-pressure place to ask questions, see devices up close, and grab info to bring to your next endo appointment.
I Didn’t Know About All These T1D Meetups!
I also learned there are so many local groups that meet regularly, including DADA (Dallas Area Type 1 Diabetic Adults), North Texas Family Meetups, newly diagnosed meetups, a South Asian T1D meetup, and others. If you’re in the DFW area and want to connect with people who understand T1D life, these groups are a great place to start. Finding your people makes a huge difference.
Leaving With Hope for a Cure
I couldn’t stay once the walk started, but even that short time was enough. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and seeing how much research and technology is moving forward gave me real hope that a cure for type 1 diabetes is coming.
Thank you to every walker, family, volunteer, and organizer who made the day so special. I’ll be back next year, hopefully for the whole walk this time.
Have you been to a Breakthrough T1D Walk? Or are you thinking about volunteering? Tell me in the comments!
FAQs
What is the Breakthrough T1D Walk?
The Breakthrough T1D Walk (formerly the JDRF One Walk) is a community fundraising walk supporting type 1 diabetes research, with the goal of finding cures and improving life with T1D.
Can anyone volunteer at a Breakthrough T1D Walk?
Yes. Volunteers help with check-in, kids’ activities, signage, greeting walkers, and setup. No experience is needed. Sign up through the Breakthrough T1D website for your local walk.
What diabetes companies attend the T1D Walk?
It varies by city. Often you’ll see CGM makers like Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre, insulin pump companies like Omnipod, plus insulin, smart pen, and supply companies.
Are there type 1 diabetes meetups in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Yes. The DFW area has several regular T1D meetups, including cultural groups like South Asian T1D meetups. Walk events are a great place to find them.
This post shares my personal experience and is not medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare team before changing diabetes devices or treatment.
