2012 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes ~ Part 2

Today marked our 7th year walking for to find a cure for diabetes. 7 years! At times it feels like it's been so much longer; other times it feels like it was just yesterday we were in the hospital, learning how to test blood glucose levels and inject insulin.

The walk for me is a bag of mixed emotions. On one hand, I love the event and the way it brings so many people together. I love the rally, and the sense of hope, albeit fleeting, about the possibility of a cure. But I hate the reason why we're there. I can't stand that there are so many individuals, both children and adults, that live with type 1 diabetes, and I especially dread the stories of loss we hear each year, about a child taken too soon, or a college student who died from a low because they lived alone. But as long as Dylan has diabetes, we will walk year after year, building on memories and creating new experiences.

It's strange how certain moments or experiences are permanently etched in our brains, providing a vivid snapshot that doesn't seem to fade over time. Other memories grow weaker with the passing years. Our first walk is one of those burned on memories for me. It was in May of 2006, 6 months after Dylan's diagnosis. We were so new, still so unaware of what it really means to live with type 1 diabetes on a permanents basis. Dylan was still honeymooning and everything seems pretty straightforward. Almost easy. Little did I know that a charity event on a warm May day 6 years ago would change my life forever, because it would be the first time that I truly realized the magnitude of this disease.

That first year we arrived at the walk site early, and we did what we do every year. We dropped off our pledges, picked up our swag bag, and proceeded to visit all of the sponsors and exhibitor booths. I remember we had so much free stuff in our bag that lugging it around for the 5km walk wasn't easy! We crossed the finish line and everything seemed ok. Dylan's blood glucose level was great, he had no problem with the distance, and we had a nice turnout of family. It was shaping up not only to be a day to remember, but to be a day to look forward to each year.

And then, 10 feet over the finish line, Dylan turned to me, with a look of pure intrigue, and said, "Is that it mom?"

"Yes," I said, "The walk is finished, we did it!"

To which he asked, "So I don't have diabetes anymore?"

Whoa, stop right there! Had someone just punched me in the stomach? I couldn't breathe, and I literally did NOT know how to respond. We had talked about the permanence of type 1 diabetes on numerous occasions, but Dylan was 5. I really had no idea how much he actually understood, versus how much he wanted to understand. After a few forced breaths I finally managed to gather my thoughts and respond, "No sweetie, you still have diabetes. What made you think it was gone?"

His response is one I will never forget. He looked me square in the eye and stated matter-of-factly, "because it's the walk to cure diabetes. We walked, so my diabetes should be cured, right?" That's my guy. Always thinking logically, way ahead of the pack, even at the age of 5. (For years after this event, as I became more and more involved with my local JDRF chapter, I seriously contemplated telling them this story and suggesting that maybe they should consider renaming the walk.)

So every year when we walk, I remember that 5 year old boy with his innocent, yet valid, inquiry. And while we may have added many great walk memories to the list since then, this one will always stand out.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Walking for JDRF

Where are you walking this year?

2012 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes ~ Part 1

Since 2006, our family has participated in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Vancouver every year. We fundraise, we wear team shirts, and we walk proudly on this special day. It's a day when everyone affected by diabetes; be it type 1, type 2, LADA, or type 3; can unite for a common purpose: to spread awareness and help raise funds for research.

This year, however, we've been busier than usual. Life has gotten in the way of our regular preparation for the walk. I didn't do any major fundraising this year - no pub night, no team barbeque, no school coin drive. I really only started asking our regular donors for their support this weekend. If I'm really honest with myself, I know it's not that I have been too busy, because if I really wanted to make it happen this year, I would have found the time. I just didn't want to do it. After years of going full throttle on the fundraising, I'm burnt out. I need a break. So we've toned it way down and are doing minimal fundraising this year. Dylan has set a personal goal to raise $1000, but that's it for us this year.

A part of me reads that previous paragraph and is ashamed of myself. How dare I feel like I need a break? What right do I have to feel burned out? What about Dylan? He's lived with diabetes every minute of every day since November 21st, 2005. Six and half years of finger pokes, injections, site changes, carb counting, basal adjustments, and me constantly asking how he's feeling and what his last bg reading was. Over 2370 days; more than half of his lifetime. And he doesn't complain, ask for a year off, or feel burned out. He keeps plugging along, making the most out of his disease, by owning it and never letting it stand in his way. He is a better person than I am, that's for sure. A much better person.

The JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes is one of Dylan's favorite days of the year. Why? Because it's the only day of the year that he feels completely normal. Having diabetes doesn't make him stand out on walk day. He can whip out his meter, plop down on the grass in the middle of a crowd to do a quick bg check, and no one even bats an eye. He can pull out of his pump to bolus for his lunch and no one does a double-take. No one asks how he got diabetes, or gives us suggestions on how to "cure" it, or eliminate his need for insulin. In fact, no one talks about diabetes at all. The walk is about celebrating life DESPITE diabetes. It's about sharing experiences and stories with others. And it's about realizing the we are not alone in this battle. There is a huge and wonderful community of people who are going through exactly the same thing we are. People who understand the daily struggles, the highs and lows, and the overwhelming feelings. People who get it.

So if you want to join us on walk day, we will be walking in Stanley Park, on Sunday, June 10th, at 11:00am. Or should you wish to make a contribution to JDRF and help Dylan meet his fundraising goal, click the badge in the top left corner of this site, or click here. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sunday Snapshots - JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, June 12th, 2011

Last Sunday marked our family's 6th time participating in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Vancouver! TEAM DYLAN was there in full force, sporting our "Pumped for the Cure" team t-shirts and walking 5km around the Stanley Park seawall to raise money and awareness for this awesome organization and cause. The walk itself is a day that Dylan looks forward to all year. The showing of support by family and friends is so great, there are always diabetes related vendors with really cool new gadgets, and the atmosphere is one of hope, inspiration, and camaraderie.

This year, our local walk changed venues, and we had the pleasure of walking in Vancouver's Stanley Park. This huge downtown park is so beautiful, and on a sunny Sunday is packed with families, picnickers, runners, cyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, and sight seers. The weather could not have been better too, what a great day it was!

Sadly, I got so caught up in the moment and the excitement that I didn't take nearly as many photos as I usually do, but here are a few highlights of the special day.

Bob Brown Bear (Vancouver Canadians mascot) at the stage

The walk begins

beginning continued

2 young pipers play as we begin walking

View of the Burrard yacht club

Glimpse of walkers through the trees

View of the city, via northeast side of Stanley Park seawall

Another peek-a-boo view

Marina view

Enjoying a quiet morning of fishing

This mermaid is a Canucks fan!

Lord Stanley himself, welcoming guests to his stunning park

Even Lord Stanley himself has Canucks fever!

View of the many walkers, from a distance

And again...

And again!

And a special thanks to Dana, for letting me use some of her photos!

Training Schedule Week of June 6th to 12th

Got some great workouts in last week, and am hoping for more of the same this week! This Sunday, June 12th, is the 2011 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, so no long ride this weekend, but a super-fun walk for a great cause!

Monday ~ Run 30 minutes, pace

Tuesday ~ Run 45 minutes, pace

Wednesday ~ Cycle 3 hours, moderate

Thursday ~ Hiking 2 hours, moderate

Friday ~ Run 90 minutes, easy  

Saturday ~ Hiking 2 hours, moderate

Sunday ~ Walk 60 minutes, Cycle 2 hours, easy

Silent Auction & Ballon Pop Items

TEAM DYLAN Pub Night

Saturday, July 9th, 2011 ~ 6:00-9:00pm

Seymour's Pub, North Vancouver, BC

All proceeds donated to JDRF

More info here

Silent Auction Items

VIA Rail ~ All-inclusive return first class trip for 2 from Van to Jasper. Value: $3500

North Shore Pilates Now ~ Card valid for 5 drop-in visits. Value: $106
French Lalique Crystal Ring ~ Value: $300
Taraxca Jewelers Sterling Silver Pendant & Chain ~ Value: $200
Cypress Mountain, 2 Adult Lift Tickets ~ Value: $140
Kumsheen River Rafting tour ~ Value: $129
Seymour Golf & Country Club, Round of golf for 2 ~ Value $160
Gusto di Quattro, Dinner for 2
Daniel le Chocolat Belge gift basket ~ Value $75
Laserdome Plus ~ 3 games, 8 people. Value $160
Original Painting by Gigi Hoeller ~ Value $350
Maritime Musueum Book & Family Pass ~ Value $75
Oh Brothers Pottery Serving Platter ~ Value $70
Kids Fun Pack, Mini Golf at Eaglequest Golf & Bowling at ZBowl ~ Value $120
Men's Spa Products ~ Value $130
Cartwheels Fliptastic Birthday Party ~ Value $196 (2)

Current Balloon Pop items

Ladies perfume (multiple varieties)

Mens cologne

Black Bear pub gift certificate

Hurricane Grill gift certificate

Old Spaghetti Factory gift certificate

Richmon Go Karts ride vouchers

VanDusen Gardens day passes
Assorted Chocolates
F440 Racing gift certificates (2)
Kidsbooks gift certificate
La Scala hair salon gift certificate
iPod speaker system
Genesis Athletic Club 1 month fitness memberships (5)
Perform Art Studios gift certificate
Tomahawk Restaurant gift certificate
Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy gift certificate
Daniel le Chocolat Belge 500g box of chocolates
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Garden day passes (2)
Capilano Suspension Bridge day passes (4)
Maritime Museum Family Day Passes (4)
Troll's $50 Gift Certificates (2)
Epicure Selections Gift Basket
Hanging Garden Lamp
Starbuck's Mugs

* Updated July 6th, 2011 ~ list is incomplete & subject to change

TEAM DYLAN 2011 - Where did the time go?

Time is going WAY too fast lately. With less than three weeks until the 2011 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Vancouver, we are way behind where we usually are at this point. I need to get my butt in gear and get organized!

Walk Details

Date: Sunday, June 12th

Time: 11:00am (registration opens at 8:30am)

Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC

Visit jdrf.ca for full walk details

TEAM DYLAN Update

(as of May 24th)

Members: 7

Funds raised: $470.00

To join TEAM DYLAN, click here

To donate to JDRF, via TEAM DYLAN, click here

Upcoming TEAM DYLAN Fundraisers

3rd Annual TEAM DYLAN Pub Night

Saturday, June 18th

6:00pm-10:00pm

Seymour's Pub, North Van, BC

*Tickets only $10 each. Includes 25% off all food (appys, entrees and desserts), drink specials for ticket holders only, balloon pop, door prizes, plus our amazing silent auction!

For a current list of Silent Auction items, click here.

Contact Jen for tickets

From the non-Blog Archives: "Team Dylan Intent on Finding a Cure"

As our family gets set to launch this year's fundraising campaign for the JDRF TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes in Vancouver on June 12, 2011, I've been looking back at some of the walk/fundraising highlights of the past 5 years, and I stumbled across this article, featured during our fundraising campaign in 2008. I was reminded of how powerful and helpful the media can be in getting out a message and how, as diabetes advocates, we can never underestimated its ability.

This article appeared in my local community paper after I sent a brief email to the paper telling them about Dylan and the upcoming JDRF walk. A reporter responded, inviting us to come in the news office for an interview and she ran the story the next week. Super easy.

From the North Shore News, May 20th, 2008:


"Team Dylan intent on finding a cure
With the help of his family and friends, a youth ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is leading the charge to raise funds and awareness for children who share his diagnosis.

With the help of his family and friends, a youth ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is leading the charge to raise funds and awareness for children who share his diagnosis.


North Vancouver resident Dylan Thomas, 7, a Grade 2 student at Queensbury elementary, was diagnosed with juvenile (type 1) diabetes, the most severe form of the life-long disease, three days before his fifth birthday. More than two million Canadians have some form of diabetes and more than 200,000 have type 1.



For two years Dylan was given three insulin injections a day along with three blood tests to check his blood glucose levels. Six months ago, he began wearing an insulin pump to better control his blood glucose. Today, he fully monitors the pump himself, with the exception of every three days when it's time to change the infusion set which his mom Jen Aragon helps him with. According to Aragon, while the change has certainly made an impact on Dylan's life, it's far from a cure. To support research efforts, for the last three years, their family has participated in the JDRF's Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes, and this year is no different. The family-oriented event is intended to increase awareness about juvenile diabetes as well as raise funds to support research efforts.


Aragon is the team captain of Team Dylan, which is currently comprised of 31 friends and family intent on raising a minimum of $10,000 for the cause through their participation in the five-kilometre walk. Aragon says she expects the team to grow to 50 members by event day.


The local walk is being held Sunday, May 25 at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium. The national event attracts more than 45,000 Canadians annually. In 2007, $6.5 million was raised and organizers hope to increase that total to more than $7 million this year. The JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research worldwide.


Aragon, who is also a member of the walk organizing committee and volunteers as a mentor through the foundation to newly diagnosed families, says Dylan's diagnosis came as quite a shock. "I didn't know anything about diabetes before he was diagnosed," she says. "No one in my family has ever had it." Dylan got extremely sick quite suddenly over a weekend and they initially thought he had the flu. He was drinking a lot of fluids, going to the bathroom constantly and was still dehydrated. He was tired and pale and he lost five pounds over 48 hours. A subsequent blood test showed Dylan was diabetic. "He had a blood sugar reading of 51," says Aragon. "His target range is between five and eight, so anything over about 12 is considered dangerous. They figured he was within 24 hours of going into a coma."


Two years later, Dylan's health is regulated and he's very much your average, active little boy, yet his diabetes constantly has to be monitored making it something that's always on his mind.


Dylan's 11-year-old brother Josh, a Grade 6 student at Queensbury elementary, also thinks about diabetes a lot. "If his blood sugar gets too low, he can have a seizure," says Aragon. This has happened to Dylan twice, both times in the middle of the night. The brothers share a room, so Josh tends to sleep with one eye open, she says.


Dylan and his family have issued a call to all community members to participate in this year's walk. "It's fun," says Josh, who adds he enjoys the event as it helps his brother and others with the disease. It's loaded with tons of kid-friendly activities making for a great day, in addition to a great cause, says Aragon. Registration gets underway at 8:30 p.m. and the walk starts at 11 a.m. For information or to become a participant visit www.jdrf.ca/walk." 

Why I Became Involved with JDRF

This post is taken from a speech that I gave at JDRF's Research Symposium in Vancouver, BC, in 2009. Some data, such as Dylan's age and time wearing a pump, has been updated to reflect current information.

"Hi! I’m Jennifer Aragon and I have been volunteering with JDRF for a few years now. I became involved with JDRF after my son Dylan was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes on November 21^st, 2005, just 3 days before his 5^th birthday. He is now 10 and has been wearing an insulin pump for the past 3 ½ years. It has changed our life in so many ways, and I don’t know what we’d do without it! Dylan is a great kid; he loves to read and play video games, loves school, plays hockey and does karate. But I think it has been his positive attitude that has kept me so involved with JDRF. He no longer “hopes” for a cure; he knows there will be one in his lifetime and he understands what it will take to find it.

When Dylan was diagnosed, I was told by the hospital staff that my reaction was not the typical one. I never shed a tear, never felt like I, or Dylan, had lost anything. And I never thought, even for a second, that his life would be limited by this disease. Not me - I wanted to fight back, to learn everything I could about type-1 diabetes and be a part of the cure. I needed to be involved, every step of the way. This very quickly led to my getting involved with JDRF, the world’s largest funder of diabetes research. I know there will be a cure and I believe JDRF will be the organization to fund the research that discovers it. They hold themselves accountable for the money spent on research because they are committed to finding a cure. After all, it is an organization founded by parents of type-1 diabetic children and who better to lead the way to a cure than those most connected to the disease and those most passionate about a cure.

JDRF asked me to talk to you tonight about why I walk for diabetes every year, and why you should too. Here are just a few reasons:

i) To raise funds and awareness for JDRF – research is expensive, so if we want a cure we need to help JDRF continue to fund top-notch research.

ii) The walk is fun – there are great informational booths and fun activities for everyone, such as mini golf, massages, face painting, mascots, and tons of free stuff!

iii) Be a part of your community and feel a sense of involvement and self-worth knowing that you’re making a difference!

iv) Experience the event with your family & friends. This is my favorite part of the walk. Over the years “Team Dylan” has grown and grown and we walked with 67 members last year. The pride in Dylan’s face at the start of the walk is an image I will never forget.

v) But the most reason important and memorable reason to walk, especially if you haven’t before, is to meet others and know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. When you experience your first walk you will be absolutely amazed by the number of people there and will realize the collective power that we have to change the face of this disease forever.

Those are the reasons I tell people they should walk every year. Now let me tell you why I walk. When I ask myself that question, I am always presented with the same image – the day Dylan was born. I think of that moment when the nurse put him in my arms and I held him for the very first time. I remember our first eye contact. That moment, be it very brief, felt like an eternity, and I could have lived in that moment forever. It was the moment that every mother is blessed with, when you realize that you love your child beyond all possibility, beyond all measure. And in that moment, your life is changed forever because everything you thought you knew about life, love, and what is important, is called into question and everything you thought you knew about yourself requires self-examination. In that moment the only thing in the world that matters in your child.

As parents we know that in loving our children we must also try to keep them safe. And when I think back to that first moment with Dylan, I know that I certainly never thought that keeping him safe would include safety from the immediate and long-term side effects of type-1 diabetes. But as long as it does, I will continue to walk – year after year after year – and I will never give up until there is a cure. I owe him that.

So I challenge everyone to join us on as we lace up our sneakers and walk to cure type-1 diabetes. Together we CAN find a cure."