$600K raised locally for Type 1 diabetes research during annual walk

PITTSBURGH — Thousands gathered on Pittsburgh’s North Shore Sunday to raise awareness and funds for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.

Around 2,500 people turned out for the Breakthrough T1D Walk outside Acrisure Stadium, which the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Even before the walk began, nearly local 200 teams were expected to raise over $600,000 for T1D research.

“Breakthrough T1D is the largest organization focused on finding a cure for type 1 diabetes,” said Becky Withrow, the local Breakthrough T1D executive director. “In the meantime, we want to make lives for people living with type 1 better, a little bit better every day.”

The event is more than just a fundraiser for many in attendance. It’s an opportunity to be around others who know what it’s like to live with the condition.

That’s the case for Bethel Park grad and San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller, who attened to connect with other with families living with T1D. He was diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder eight years ago while in college.

“Just being down here, being amongst a lot of other people affected by the same thing, [it’s] a chance for us to bond, come together, and raise some money for a chance to find a cure,” Miller told Channel 11.

T1D causes the pancreas to make very little or no insulin and impacts impacts 9 million people globally.

The cause is not fully understood, but scientists bellieve genetic factors and enviornmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW