June 16, 2024

‘Marlee’s Mob’ to walk McKinley Lake

JDRF One Walk takes place across Iowa this Saturday

By DUSTIN MAEDER

With friends and family, Marlee Spencer, 8, of Creston, is participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund's virtual walk 9 a.m. Saturday in Creston. The local event hosted by "Marlee's Mob" is open to the public and registration is open at 8:30 a.m. near the McKinley Lake campground. (Contributed photo)

The JDRF Foundation of Greater Iowa, in Des Moines, had originally planned their One Walk fundraiser for juvenile diabetes for May, but with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, changes were made to the way it was traditionally held.

“They decided that instead of bringing everybody to Ankeny to do this walk to do the fundraiser, they would have everyone do it in their own town virtually,” said Jessica Spencer.

Spencer hosts the online group ‘Marlee’s Mob,’ in honor of her 8-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in September.

“Marlee is the strongest little warrior ever,” said Spencer.

Marlee’s Mob will be walking around McKinley Lake Saturday, beginning the walk at the campground at 9 a.m.

“Anybody can sign up to be part of our team or make a donation to the JDRF Foundation,” said Spencer. “The funds all go to find a cure.”

Spencer said the event is more than just about raising funds, but also spreading awareness to friends, family and members of the community.

“When Marlee was diagnosed, not many people, especially me, knew much about diabetes and Type 1 diabetes in children,” said Spencer. “It affects so many kids and I just wanted to help the community be aware and help people who are around Marlee understand what it’s like for the people who have to live with this.”

One point Spencer wishes more people could understand are the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as this leads the misconception that all cases of diabetes are result of too much sugar.

“(Type 1 diabetes) is not caused by eating too much sugar,” said Spencer. “It’s not caused by that. It is an auto-immune disease, it is your body, not what you consumed.”

To those who wish to donate or participate as part of Marlee's Mob, go to https://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR/Walk/GreaterIowaChapter4214?team_id=301608&pg=team&fr_id=7930 .