Families, friends and a few dogs gathered under clear skies to celebrate progress in treatment and support those living with the disease. Among the walkers were Brian and Audra Oswald of Lafayette, attending their second year with their children, Jack, Lauren and Ben. Ben was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

“We just hope they find a cure,” Brian Oswald said. “Until then, we’re doing everything we can to support him.”

The Oswalds first learned about the walk through a flier at Happy Joe’s and now make it a family tradition. Friend Kim Patterson joined them again this year “to support Ben and spread awareness.”

David Sowers, a member of a local run club, joined his friend Stuart Hartley and Stuart’s aunt, Sandy Hartley, for the walk. Sandy Hartley presented a $1,000 donation from the Lafayette Lions Club, and Bob Schirlinger of the New Ulm Lions Club contributed $1,500.

Sandy Hartley, Ruth Klossner, Bob Shirlinger, and Gary Peterson of Lafayette and New Ulm Lions clubs.

Rebecca DeMarais attended to support her boyfriend, Justin, and his two children, Graham and Maya, all diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Justin was diagnosed at age 21, an uncommon age for type 1 onset.

“It’s not just about raising money,” DeMarais said. “It’s about helping people understand what daily life is like — the constant monitoring, the cost of supplies, and making sure the kids know how to manage it. Justin and his children all deal with it every day, and events like this remind people that support and awareness are so important.”

“Working together on this event for more than a decade shows what community can do,” Schirlinger said. “We’re proud to see families come out year after year.”

For Bonnie Schirlinger, the cause is personal. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 63 years ago, she lost her sight and spent time in a coma before receiving a kidney transplant five years ago. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic.

“Our mission is to find a cure, not a treatment,” she said. “I may not see it, but these little kids will. They’re wearing pumps and monitors today that didn’t even exist when I was young. We’re getting closer every year.”

Ruth Klossner and Sandy Hartley with $1,000 Lafayette Area Lions Club's diabetes contribution.

“We lucked out with a beautiful day,” Audra Oswald said, heading to register for the walk with her husband and children. “It’s good to see so many people here who care.”

As walkers and their dogs made their way around the half-mile route, the focus stayed on hope — for better access to care, continued research and, ultimately, a world without diabetes.

The event concluded with wagging tails, smiles, and renewed determination among Lions members and families alike. As Bonnie Schirlinger put it simply: “We will find that cure.”

L-R: Genevieve and Lucille Jumper, Maya and Graham Gehrke, Julianne and Bruce Diehl with dog Meg, Dave Gehrke with Tilly the pug, Ruth Ann Gehrke, and Susan Johnson with dog Lacey Rose at Saturday's 11th annual Diabetes Walk at Flandrau State Park.

From left, Rebecca DeMarais, David Sowers, Stuart Hartley and Sandy Hartley stand outside the stone shelter house at Flandrau State Park during the 11th Annual New Ulm Diabetes Walk on Saturday morning. The event drew roughly 60 participants in support of diabetes awareness and care.

Brian, Jack, Audra, Lauren, and Ben Oswald from Lafayette,MN joined by friend Kim Patterson this morning at Flandreau State Park during the 11th annual diabetes walk.