KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Millions of Americans have diabetes, but one little girl is doing something about it.  Seven-year-old Julia Chapman was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago. She recently told her mom she wanted to have a 5K run to help others with the disease.

The walk/run benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

“We’re trying to raise money to help them find a cure,” Chapman said.

“It (the run/walk) is called Inspire 1 because it inspires people. (For) a lot of people this is their first run/walk."

Julia Chapman's sister, Olivia, helped make t-shirts and came up with the name of the event.

She says Julia’s diabetes diagnosis has not changed her sister. And, she said having a cure for diabetes would make a lot of people's lives easier, plus, it "would be very cool."

“This run/walk means a lot to our family and it probably means a lot to other people’s families, because there are a lot of families in the world with someone (who has) diabetes,” Olivia Chapman said. “So, we’re going to try to make it as best as possible and I know it’s going to be really good.”

When:

The Inspire 1 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run is set for 9 a.m., Sept. 29, at the Kirksville Primary School and you can pick up your packet between 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.

Registration:

If paid, or postmarked my Sept. 22, the entry fee for the 5K is $20 and $10 for the Kids Fun Run.

After Sept. 22, there will be an additional $5 on each entry fee. You can make checks out to Inspire 1 for JDRF.

All pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt during packet pick-up. If you register late, you will receive a t-shirt in the mail after the event.

If you can’t make it to the event and would like to donate, you can mail a donation to Inspire 1 for JDRF c/o Melissa Chapman 1801 Meadowview Drive Kirksville, Mo. 63501.

You can also mail your registration form and fee to this address as well, or go online and register HERE.