SEAFORD, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) is joining forces with Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) Northeast Board Chairman John Carrion in support of the fourth annual Team DRI Walk/Run/Ride Event on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Starting at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, participants select their own pace and distance – whether by biking, walking, or running – on a route spanning the distance between the park and Jones Beach (or further or shorter – the participant chooses the distance) to raise funds and awareness for DRIF’s pursuit of a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. Last year’s event drew more than 125 participants and raised over $100,000, Carrion said. Since its inception in 2019, the Walk/Run/Ride has garnered over $250,000.

“I’m a big bike rider and I wanted to figure out how we could promote the cause,” he said of the “homegrown, organic” event. “We wanted to make it fun and not a black-tie dinner, not a golf outing – something where we can be outside and the kids can come. That’s how it started.” In subsequent years, the walkathon – and then the run – were added, creating the current form of this multifaceted philanthropic event.

Carrion first became involved in the fight to cure juvenile diabetes 22 years ago when his son was diagnosed at age 4. His first exposure was through events with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and the community of families and advocates he met there sparked his passion for advocacy.

“When my son got out of the hospital, there were thousands of people at this walk who were in the same boat as I was,” Carrion said. “That was the first time I didn’t feel alone.”

In subsequent years, his involvement with DRIF increased, and he later met Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton. Together, they later served on the Long Island and Northeast Regional boards, the latter of which Carrion has chaired since 2018.

“I have had the privilege of knowing John for more than two decades, as our children were diagnosed around the same time,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. “As parents of young children with diabetes, we have both been intently focused on finding a cure and conquering this disease once and for all. I am so proud of all that John has done and I encourage everyone to join us at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford for what promises to be an amazing event in support of a cause that is near and dear to all of us.”

Visit http://www.DiabetesResearch.org/WalkRunRide2024 for information about how to register for the bike/walk/run and information on becoming a sponsor of the event.

( Photos courtesy of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF)