September 25, 2016 marks the date of this year’s JDRF One Walk in Mishawaka. (Mark your calendars and walk with the Luke’s Lifesavers team!)

Last year we barely made the walk. By the time we were diagnosed and felt comfortable with everything, it was just around the corner. We managed to raise $1200 in just a couple of months through donations and t-shirt sales! So this year I’ve upped the ante. We are going to raise $2000!

To reach our goal, we have already kicked off fundraising season! Our first fundraiser was one in which we partnered with MudLOVE. MudLOVE is a local company, based out of Warsaw, IN. I’ve always loved the heart of their mission- to provide clean water for someone in need. Each item purchased, including the bands in our fundraiser, provides a week’s worth of water to someone in need. How cool is that!?

As soon as I saw the “motto” we put on our bracelets, which represents “God’s love is greater than the highs and lows,” I absolutely loved it. (I don’t know if he was the first one to don it or not, but Nick Jonas, who also has Type 1 diabetes, has this tattoo.) I love this motto because it can not only apply to a Type 1 family with blood sugar highs and lows, but to life’s highs and lows in general. I’m too much of a wuss to get my own tattoo, so I wanted to find a way to have this constant reminder without getting it inked into my skin. And then I immediately thought of MudLOVE.

I ordered these as a custom- meaning they had to make the stamp and make 100 of the bracelets- on April 7th and they arrived on my doorstep on April 19th. Super friendly. Super fast. And super easy.

We ordered 100 of the bands thinking we could offer them up to friends and family, as well as the Type 1 Diabetes Facebook groups I am involved in. If we had a few leftovers, it would be alright. We could save them. Well, much to our surprise, we didn’t really get a chance to post them in the Facebook groups because our friends and family bought them all up in just four days! (Aren’t they amazing!? Yay friends and family!)

We were able to raise about $375 just from the sale of these awesome bands. We are debating whether or not we want to do another batch. If you would want a bracelet or two (or ten!), let us know! I’ve started a list of “I’d take one if you got another batch!” people. I’d be glad to add you to it and let you know if we decide to go for it!