Christian Gimber, a senior at La Jolla High School, has set his highest fundraising goal ever for Junior Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) “Walk to Cure Diabetes” — an annual walk to raise funds for Type 1 diabetes research. Gimber has raised nearly $20,000 for JDRF since his Type 1 diagnosis in preschool 13 years ago. This year — in his final push for the cause before going to college in the fall — Gimber hopes to raise $10,000 for the nonprofit to raise awareness, help fund research for a cure and continue the organization’s life-changing treatment ventures like the creation of an artificial pancreas. Though the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, it is often triggered when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The chronic disease is neither preventable nor curable — yet. Gimber set his fundraising sights high in the hopes of changing that reality through research. “Everyone has to get involved if they want to see a cure for juvenile diabetes,” he said. “You can’t sit around and wait for a cure, you have to get out there and raise awareness yourself.” Although Gimber’s day-to-day activities — like cross-country running or surfing — are not hindered, he has to check his blood-sugar levels regularly throughout the day, be careful about when and how he eats and is dependent on injected insulin for life. “It’s something my parents have told me from the beginning — diabetes isn’t something that will restrict you from anything. It’s just something I have to be a little more responsible with,” he said. “They always say, ‘Just do your best and God will take care of the rest.’” Gimber’s best efforts are certainly paying off. He is nearly halfway to his target — but he needs a village of help to raise the additional funds to reach his goal. “I’m trying to reach out to the community and get as many people involved as I can,” he said. “I definitely want to participate in a walk near wherever I go to college, but I’m passing the torch to the new generation of kids who are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.” To donate to Gimber’s efforts or to join his team during the walk on Nov. 12, visit www.jdrf.org. Under the “Get Involved” tab, select “Walk to Cure Diabetes” and insert Gimber’s name to donate to his campaign. Donations will be accepted throughout the month.
