Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 16 months old, Makaila Heifner has been raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation since she can remember.

The JDRF is dedicated to finding a cure for Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Past fundraisers have included JDRF walks with family and friends.

This year Heifner wanted to lead her own team and reached out to local business leaders in Maple Valley to see if they would be willing to help fulfill this year’s goal of raising $1,300.

Heifner walked 2.5k for the South Sound JDRF in Tacoma, and then ran the 8k Beat the Bridge event in Seattle on May 19 in support of the cause.

Shawn and Kale from Shawn’s Quality Meats, along with their customers, provided support for Heifner. The folks at El Caporal and the Hobart Store also helped. Heifner exceeded her goal this year. The Heifner family wishes to thank Shawn’s, El Caporal, the Hobart Store, and the Brown family for making it a possibility that someday a cure will be found for people living with this disease.