Members of “Caitlyn’s Crew” walked for Caitlyn Carr of Huguenot, holding the banner above the sketch of the smiling face.By KATELYNN RUSNOCK
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A crowd decked out in colorful T-shirts sauntered through the College of Staten Island yesterday morning to raise funds to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes.
More than 2,500 participants came out for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Walk To Cure Diabetes, gathered on the Great Lawn of the campus, and enjoyed the sunny weather that arrived just in time for the start of the trek.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hoped to raise $300,000 at yesterday’s event.
The JDRF was founded in 1970 by parents of children with diabetes. Research reports note that up to 3 million Americans may be suffering from Type 1 diabetes, the form of diabetes on which the organization focuses. It is usually diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults and those affected must inject multiple doses of insulin into their blood stream daily.
Although yesterday’s event was a fundraising effort, Lisa Moore, co-president of the Staten Island branch of the JDRF noted, “It’s a very positive event. It’s not sad.”
The diverse crowd, which ranged in age from youngsters affected by diabetes and their siblings to their grandparents, agreed.
“It was a really nice turnout,” said Christina D’Angelis, co-president of the Staten Island branch of the JDRF.
In addition to walking, groups spent time playing catch on the Great Lawn, listening to music, and eating food donated by various vendors.
Noted Francine Sperantzas of Woodrow, whose 4-year-old daughter, Maria, has juvenile diabetes: “It’s kid-friendly and raising money for a great cause.” A team of 30 people, who called themselves “MJ’s Angels,” walked in honor of Maria.
Another group, “Team Ty and Ry,” has raised over $50,000 in the past three years that they have been walking together. The team is named for Tyler Malone and Ryan Kirschner, who met when Ryan was diagnosed with diabetes and Tyler, who also has diabetes, became his camp counselor and mentor.
Ryan’s mom, Jennifer Kirschner, a former New Springville resident, tearfully described the event. “I love the togetherness, that everyone is here to support someone.”
“It’s an emotional day,” added Maria Leconte, a former Eltingville resident and friend of the Kirschner family.
