A young Greenbushes resident has called on families across the South West to participate in the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation fundraiser and support its efforts to cure type 1 diabetes.
The free One Walk Event, which will be held on Sunday, November 24, is the world's biggest type 1 diabetes fundraiser and is expected to draw more than one million participants from around the globe.
There are more than 11,000 people in WA living with the autoimmune disease, which often strikes suddenly and is not caused by diet or lifestyle.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas, which subsequently loses its ability to produce insulin.
Those diagnosed with the chronic condition require regular blood glucose testing and a constant supply of insulin to stay alive.
As the mother of someone living with type 1 diabetes, Greenbushes resident Jessica Nock knows firsthand the day-to-day impact of the condition.
Mrs Nock's daughter, Ruby, and her family will participate in the Perth One Walk event, before participating in a regional walk in Greenbushes to cater to local South West families.
"Ruby lives a life of no limits, she loves adventure and being outdoors," she said.
"Ruby is kind, caring and attracts friends wherever she goes.
"She has diabetes, but diabetes never has her."
The family are calling on others in the region to join them.
In 2018, 20,000 Australians participated in Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walks across the country, raising more than $1 million for diabetes research.
The One Walk will also be held in Mandurah, beginning in Eacott Park and concluding in Greenfields with a sausage sizzle, children's activities and a raffle draw.
Mandurah resident Zillah Fortune has been coordinating the event for the last six years after her seven-year-old daughter Jesse was diagnosed with the disease.
