Hiking to Cure T1D

Hi My name is Pete van Stralen. I am 14 years old. Last year I became very ill while hiking and camping in Yosemite National Park with my family. They rushed me to the hospital where I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. (read my story here)

As many as three million Americans have type 1 diabetes, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). About 15,000 children and 15,000 adults are diagnosed each year.

I have since learned how to manage my blood sugar and can once again hike and climb mountains with my family. When hiking in very remote areas and at high elevations I need to be very prepared and extremely careful. I carry a backpack with me which includes all of the supplies I might need to test and manage my blood sugar levels.

I am currently in New Zealand and would like to raise money for diabetes research in hopes of finding a cure.

My idea is to find donors who are willing to donate 1 cent per step taken. I track my steps, the trails I hike and the elevations using my Garmin Fēnix 3 watch. I will post my results after each hike. On an average hike I do about 30,000 steps. This would be a donation of about $30.00 per hike. Of course you can give any amount you like. Any and all donations are much appreciated! The money goes directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Hikes I’ve done recently: