Ironton Elementary, middle schools raise money for Type 1 research

Last week, the students of the Ironton elementary and middle schools raised money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and on Friday, walked in hopes that their funds will help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

During the week, the schools conducted several events to raise money for the cause, such as giving the students the opportunities to wear silly clothes and hats, crazy socks and clothing of their favorite sports teams. The students also were able to purchase colorful paper sneakers, the T1D’s logo for walking, and the teachers helped out by getting to wear jeans for a donation as well.

Prior to beginning, the students and teachers watched an informative video explaining T1D and how it affects students that they interact with and care for everyday.

Each homeroom class was in competition to see who could raise the most funds, with the winning group receiving a pizza party for their efforts.

Annette Scott, the Ironton Elementary School nurse who put the event together, said that it is all student generated.

“We did this back in 2011 or 2012 and raised more than $3,000,” she said. “It’s a really good event and means a lot to the students.”

Currently, there are seven students attending either Ironton Elementary or Ironton Middle School who have T1D.

“It feels really good that we’re able to do this,” Bryson Glockner, an Ironton Elementary student who has T1D, said. “And I want my friends to understand everything that people with it have to go through.”

Glockner added that he wears an insulin pump 24/7 to help with his T1D.

JDRF T-shirts were ordered for the walk, which some students and teachers wore in support of finding a cure.

Scott said an estimated total raised within nine days amounted to $4,498.74, and with deductions for the T-shirts and a pizza party, approximately $3,287.74 would be donated to the JDRF.

“As you walk down the halls of the school, you can see how proud the students are of their efforts by seeing the many colorful shoes lining the walls and doors,” Scott said. “Their overwhelming enthusiasm and support show how loving these children are.”