From left, Telus care representative Amanda Hollier, Telus Walk chair Katie Katie Francis, Telus general manager for the Northern Interior Lance MacDonald and his dog Strider – photos 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – About 250 people joined the 3 km Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes today at College Heights Secondary School.

Walk chair Katie Francis said the goal was to raise $30,000 with proceeds going towards type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.

She said the issue is a personal one for her considering her 11 year old son Braeden was first diagnosed with T1D when he was just five years old.

“It’s become our new normal. We all know when he’s high and when he’s low, what to do,” said Francis. “He does at least 12 finger pokes a day including every time he eats.”

However she said her family works hard to ensure he lives a normal life.

“We do have lots of events and activities. He rides a dirt bike, he plays hockey, he does whatever he wants, he just lives with type 1 at the same time.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond was also on hand to lend her support.

“We’ve been a big supporter of the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes for a number of years,” she said.”Telus and a number of other sponsors are absolutely fantastic, so great event for the family, and for an important cause.”

Similar walks took place at approximately 70 sites across Canada along with six other countries.