TORONTO, June 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF is the largest fundraising event in Canada that brings together the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community to raise funds for T1D research. A fun-filled family and community celebration, the Walk has raised more than $137 million to date making it one of the longest running and most successful fundraising events in Canada.
Throughout the month of June, more than 40 Walk events will be held across the country. The collective fundraising goal is $3.1 million that will go towards research into cures for this disease. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Walk and JDRF is proud to celebrate three decades of progress, commitment, and improving lives for people affected by T1D.
T1D is an autoimmune disease that affects close to 300,000 Canadians. For over 100 years, the only available treatment has been insulin, and even with careful management there is the risk of diabetes-related complications like kidney failure, blindness, amputation and even death. Canada has one of the fastest-growing rates of diagnosis in the world, and we don’t know why. There is currently no disease-modifying therapy and no cure. Continued investment in ground-breaking research, such as stem cell-based treatments that can produce insulin in those living with the disease, is crucial for improved treatments and cures.
“There is nothing quite like the Walk. It is truly inspiring to see the passion and dedication of our type 1 diabetes families and their resolve to both support each other and help us get closer to a world free from this disease,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “We have seen so much progress in type 1 diabetes research over the past 30 years, from new devices and technology, to significant advances in stem cell therapies, and developments in screening that mean we may one day be able to stop the disease before it can even start. Funds raised from the Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF will help to accelerate the pace of the most promising type 1 diabetes research.”
Abbott’s Diabetes Care division has returned as the Walk’s National Premiere Partner.
“At Abbott, we continually strive to make a meaningful difference and improve the health and quality of life for Canadians living with diabetes,” says Marie-Flore Nabor, Divisional Vice President, Canada-Latin America Region, Diabetes Care. “This commitment extends beyond our life-changing technologies to include long-standing partnerships and support for JDRF and the families of those living with type 1 diabetes.”
Sun Life has been a national sponsor of the Walk since 2014 and national title sponsor since 2018.
“With diabetes on the rise in Canada, it’s important to continue to focus on prevention, care, research and building awareness for the disease,” said Dave Jones, President, Sun Life Health. “The JDRF Walk is a long-standing fundraiser that helps bring people from across Canada together to raise funds for those living with type 1 diabetes. It’s programs like these that help build healthier and more sustainable communities.”
Learn more about the 2023 Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF and help us move T1D research forward faster: jdrfwalk.ca
About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.ca.
Sun Life in the Community
Sun Life is sustainability-driven, focusing on areas where it can have the greatest impact. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organization can help build a positive environment for Clients, employees, advisors, and shareholders. Physical health and mental health are at the centre of our philanthropic support, with a focus on supporting programs and organizations that strive to empower people in Canada to live their healthiest lives no matter where they are in their journey. Sun Life employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering and giving back to make life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.
Learn more about Sun Life in the community
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
For more information:
Ruth Kapelus
National Content & Media Relations Manager, JDRF Canada
T. 647.789.2322
E. rkapelus@jdrf.ca
