Chloe Fetterolf and Hallie Githens will be participating in the JDRF One Walk taking place on Oct. 28.
Chloe Fetterolf and Hallie Githens formed a strong bond over the years due to their similar journey with Type 1 diabetes.
Fetterolf, now in cosmetology school, and Githens, a senior at Shawnee High School, have both been dealing with diabetes since they were young — Fetterolf was diagnosed when she was 5 years old and Githens was diagnosed when she was 4 years old.
The pair was originally brought together when they were in elementary school through their mothers’ mutual friends who suggested they all meet.
Since that point, they only crossed paths at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walk’s, until they saw each other in the halls of Shawnee High School.
When Fetterolf was a sophomore and Githens was first entering the high school, she coincidentally happened to stop and ask Fetterolf for directions to one of her classes. They realized they had met before, exchanged phone numbers, and have been best friends ever since.
Both Fetterolf and Githens wear Continuous Glucose Monitors at all times to test their blood sugar levels. The monitors connect to an app downloaded to their phones to alert them when their levels drop too low.
This device, along with insulin pumps, has allowed them to avoid pricking their fingers up to 10 times per day, as they have had to do in the past.
These advances in technology are due to research and donations done by organizations such as JDRF, which they both have participated in annually since their diagnosis.
Eileen Fetterolf, Chloe’s mother, was initially unsure of what to expect out of their first walk; however, she was pleasantly surprised by the event.
“It was really encouraging, it was a huge party,” Eileen said. “You don’t really know who on each team has diabetes, all you can see is that people are together for the same cause.”
Githens’ team name is “Hallie’s Heroes” and Chloe’s team name is “Hearts for Chloe,” which they print on pink tie-dye and red shirts for their supporters to wear at the walk.
“I think it’s good for the girls to have support. They feel proud to wear their shirts and have everybody there for them,” Hallie’s mother, Megan Githens said.
Chloe and Hallie stated there is no judgment at the walks, and although there aren’t many people in school with diabetes, everyone is joined together at the event. Chloe went on to say that although having diabetes can be challenging at times, she is thankful that it brought her and Hallie together.
“I’m so glad they have each other,” Eileen said. “The walks are always fun and you’re doing a good thing for a good cause. They have funded so much and we have come so far, but it still isn’t a cure. There’s still more to do.”
The walk will take place on Oct. 28 at the Camden County College Blackwood Campus. For more information, to donate or to register, visit www.jdrf.org.
