I realize that our summers are very full of all sorts of charitable walks, marathons, concerts, fund raisers, meet ups and every conceivable event aimed at raising money for one cause or other. I understand that they are all noble pursuits and worthy of our time and energies, but I for one, simply cannot keep up with all of them. The best strategy seems to be to dig in to the ones about whom you feel strongest, and work for its success. Writing for Tyler TX Directory however, allows me to cast a fairly wide net. As events occur throughout the year I try to promote them by simply informing the local public, which brings me to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) walk coming this June.

Juvenile diabetes, or type one, is treatable but incurable. As I understand it, the patient lacks sufficient insulin to naturally store much needed glucose, and thus provide the body with energy. While most people associate diabetes with weight gain, juvenile diabetes (so named because it generally first appears in childhood), causes the patient to lose weight regardless of how much they may actually eat. Other symptoms that commonly accompany the disease are, frequent headaches, dizziness, nausea etc. The most common treatment is of course insulin injections. Insulin pumps are also being tested which would pump the hormone into the patient’s system and maintain it at normal levels. JDRF exists to help fund the search for new treatments and hopefully an eventual cure.

Tyler’s walk will be held at Bergfield Park on the 25th, beginning at 7:30 in the morning. Of course there will be children’s events, and various other vendors etc. participating throughout the day. JDFR has a great website with all kinds of information, and literature, both as promotion of its coming fund raisers and as support for parents and families dealing with juvenile diabetes. For more information, or to register for Tyler’s walk, visit that site at http://www2.jdrf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage .