Ever since my diagnosis, I have been involved in JDRF's annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, in Washington DC. (JDRF holds walks all over the country to raise money for research for a cure)

I really want to emphasize just what a great event this is! Not only does it put us closer to a cure, it fosters a sense of community among all families in the area who are dealing with diabetes.

People put together "family teams" and organize themselves into a coherent group of people walking for a certain person with diabetes. For example, Team Connor could be a prototype for a typical family team.

It's a group including about 50 friends/relatives of Connor, who they are walking in support of. During the walk team members hold up signs saying "We're walking for Connor" or "Connor's Crew." They also all wear a cool, custom-made t-shirt.

I have to admit that one of the most fun things to do on walk day is look at all the creative t-shirts that different teams have made -- with cool logos, slogans and names. My family team this year is called Team S.T.R.I.D.E., and the STRIDE stands for Svati's Team to Remove Insulin Dependence Everywhere (corny, I know, but I really wanted to do an acronym and all the good ones were already taken by the other hundred and something teams).

This is a great community service project if you need to rack up volunteer hours for school. Entice classmates to join your team with this in mind. The bigger your team, the more money you will probably raise.

Basically I am just trying to tell everyone to take part in this! It is really cool to have your own team and organize fundraisers, meetings, etc.

The DC event in on May 5th, but I am not starting early by any means - there is a lot to do! Start now and keep checking my blog for additional info...I have some great tips for fundraising and organizing a team, along with other tidbits about the Walk, if people are interested.