The Skate for Diabetes was born from the need to remember a lost friend, to help raise money for the cure research, and have a fun family and friend event. Together, we have raised a lot of money for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). We even helped raise some money for a diabetic alert dog for a returning Iraq War Veteran!
We lost one of my best friends to his battle with Type 1 Diabates in March of 2010. Dan Rothrock was a great dude. He was always there when you needed him. The thing about Dan though was some people weren’t there for him. He was often called “Diabetic Dan” behind his back and 
to his face. Dan was a Brittle Diabetic. He was prone to sudden severe blood sugar drops that led to siezures. It was scary. Dan never really asked for much help though. He may ask you stand in front of him while he injected insulin. He was full of humor. Some was quite sarcastic. Some was self deprecating. He was a complicated man who knew his time would be short. In spite of that, he was an excellent friend. I want to stand at his grave someday and say the fight is over and T1D is cured. His memory is a major reason The Skate for Diabetes was created.
The Skate for Diabetes events have been so much fun! We have had a wonderful turnout each year that we did these. The community came together in support. Fundraising efforts were great. We held raffles, giveaways, and encouraged everyone to get on skates and have some fun rolling around.
We held most of the events at The Silver Star Skate Center in Mattoon, Illinois. We did have one event at George’s Skate Center in Decatur, Illinois. Sadly George’s is now permanently closed.
Roller Skating is fun for all ages! It is the perfect union of joy and physical challenge. Kids just getting started can have fun with parents experiencing nostalgia. Friends can chase each other around. Those of us who never gave up skating can help others figure it out and do our thing on the floor too!
I’ve never been more proud of something I created than The Skate for Diabetes. I’ve never been more humbled and honored to know some many amazing people who helped make the events happen, helped at the events, raised money leading up to the event, and helped spread the word as far as they could.
You all are the best!
Thank you all for the amazing memories we have made!
Thank you all for the memories we still have coming!
Let’s roll until Type One is Type NONE!