The Joeys

Welcome to The Joeys, the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes team page for South Dakota Magazine in Yankton!

We're walking this year to support Joe Andrews, son of Managing Editor John Andrews. Joe was diagnosed with Type I diabetes in August 2007 at the age of 3. Today he's a third grader at Beadle Elementary in Yankton. He likes all sports (especially baseball and soccer) and playing with his friends.

Having Type I diabetes hasn't limited his activities, but it's still a serious disease. Joe pokes his fingers six to 10 times every day to monitor his blood glucose levels. He receives insulin through a pump. Even through careful monitoring, a healthy diet and exercise, diabetes still increases his risk for heart disease, kidney disease and blindness as he gets older.

The good news is that doctors are closer than ever to finding a cure. Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls recently began a human clinical trial for a new drug researchers there have developed, and some doctors believe a cure will be ready by the time Joe finishes high school. Of course, their continued research requires funding, and we're trying to help.

Our team is joining the Walk to Cure Diabetes at the Sanford Research Center in Sioux Falls on January 26. Our fundraising goal is $1,000. Each member of our team is already hard at work raising funds, and we'd love it if you could support Joe. If you have taken time to visit our team page today, we ask that you consider making a donation or joining our team. To make a team donation, click on the "Donate" button at the top of this page or if you would like to make your gift to one of the team members please click on their name below. To join our team, click the join team link below.

The money our JDRF Walk Team raises will go directly to support this life-changing research. A cure is within reach, and every penny helps.

Thank you. Together, we will cure Type 1 diabetes and its complications!