The 2015 JDRF One Walk included a parade of purple amidst the crowd of participants, as Des Moines University students, employees and families joined in the effort as walkers and volunteers.
The DMU Mobile Clinic was also on hand, with first aid volunteers prepared to treat twisted ankles or other minor ailments along the route at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
DMU President Angela L. Walker Franklin served as corporate chairperson for the event, inspiring broad participation from within our institution and the community as a whole.
“The walkers all felt that as a health care university DMU understands what they experience every day and is there to support them,” says DMU Vice President of Research Jeffrey Gray, Ph.D., who also serves on the JDRF Greater Iowa Board of Directors. “As soon as Dr. Franklin arrived, she jumped in with Team Saige — a team walking for a little girl who was diagnosed at age 7 — and she took a group picture. The whole family was so honored that the Walk Chair was right there with them ready to lend her support!”
In addition to good feelings, the walk also helped raise funds for the organization’s important research initiatives.
“Dr. Franklin and DMU were key leaders in this year’s JDRF One Walk,” says Michelle Weigel, associate executive director of the JDRF Greater Iowa Chapter. “With your leadership and the support of so many partners and families, we are projecting an impressive $950,000 in total dollars raised.”
