NEWS

JDRF to Host One Walk Great Escape May 12

Friday, April 6, 2018 -- The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, Lake George's summer haven for Capital Region families for decades, is now the new home base for the Capital Region's premier type 1 diabetes (T1D) fundraising event!

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Officials at JDRF, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, today announced that it will host its inaugural JDRF One Walk Great Escape at the popular theme park Saturday, May 12. One Walk is a fun, family-friendly event where walkers, volunteers and sponsors raise more than $500,000 to help fund critically needed T1D research. Organized by JDRF volunteers, the event draws dozens of teams representing local businesses, families, schools and other organizations.

"For many years we ran separate One Walk events in Albany and Saratoga," explained JDRF Development Manager Danielle Unser Slater. "With so many non-profit walks held throughout the year in this region, we decided to consolidate both events into something larger and create a more unique experience. By placing this walk at The Great Escape, members of the T1D community can walk for our mission and then enjoy a great day out at the park with their families."

Registration will begin at 10 a.m. and the walk will step off at 11 a.m. The route will meander through the park and end back at the pavilion where lunch will be served.

"In order to maximize funds raised for T1D research, walkers who raise $100 or more will receive free park admission and our commemorative One Walk t-shirt," said Unser Slater, noting that May 12 is also the opening day at the park. "For those who don't reach that threshold, discount admission coupons will be available to use on walk day. Walkers who chose not to go into the park because they didn't raise the $100, don't want to purchase a ticket, or simply choose not to, may return to their car and carry on with their day. We look at going to the park as an added incentive, especially since a ticket to the Great Escape on any other day costs around $60."

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Since the walk will take place on Mother's Day weekend, JDRF plans to provide a special Moms' Tent for all mothers of children with T1D. Sponsored by CAP COM, the tent will feature massage chairs, delicious mock-tails and a flower for each mom.

"Being a mother of a healthy child is a hard-enough job," said Unser Slater. "However, being a mom of a child with T1D offers a whole different level of stress. You need to test blood sugar levels around the clock, give insulin for meals, count carbs, check on daily supplies, carry diabetes bags, fill prescriptions, visit the doctor, and the list goes on. These mothers deserve to be celebrated for everything they do to care for their children."
Participants who raise $1,000 or more will be assigned V1P status giving them access to the V1P area, an exclusive V1P lanyard, front-of-the-line ride access, as well as a free go-cart or sky coaster ride!

Event parking is free.

For more information and to register, visit walk.jdrf.org/GreatEscape or call (518) 477-2873.

Sponsors include The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom; Gallagher Insurance; Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP; M + W Group; CAP COM Federal Credit Union; Where Smiles Grow; Tops; and Sysco.

About T1D
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and-at present-nothing you can do to get rid of it.

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. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. 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, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF