Unicorn Wranglers help close in on type 1 diabetes research with benefit concert

Currently, one of the hottest mythical icons for kids, and some adults for that matter, is the unicorn. The fabled horned horse can be found plastered on many lunch boxes and T-shirts, as well as made into plush toys and figurines.

Why the fixation? Who knows, but a unicorn can mean something entirely different for the 1.6 million people in America who are type 1 diabetics (T1D). In the T1D community.

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The phrase “catching a unicorn” refers to the magical moment when you get a blood sugar reading of exactly 100 on your meter or your continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This is a big deal for Type 1 diabetics who need to continually monitor the fluctuations of the sugar level in their bloodstream in order to maintain a safe level.

Usually, the pancreas naturally produces insulin to manage the sugar level in the blood stream. However, according to the International Diabetes Federation, type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s defense system attacks the cells that produce insulin which results in the body producing little or no insulin at all.

It is considered an autoimmune condition and can be diagnosed at any age. Being a type 1 diabetic means having to monitor your blood sugar levels continuously, manage your intake of sugar and take insulin to offset the sugar levels in your blood for the rest of your life. It is a life altering diagnosis.

There continues to be research and studies being conducted to advance the care and management for people that live with type 1 diabetes. Hopefully, this will lead to a cure for T1D in the not-too-distant future.

New research developments

One of the organizations that contributes to the research that advances the care and management of T1D is JDRF (aka Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). It is a not-for-profit organization started over 50 years ago by parents of children who were diagnosed with T1D who wanted to help influence the medical community in finding better ways to help people with T1D.

The daily life of a Type 1 diabetic used to consist of pricking one’s finger numerous times in a day in order to check their sugar level, then administering insulin to correct those levels several times throughout the day.

Today, research has led to the development of the technology of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) that can be attached to the person and give continuous monitory and more accurate readings. This helps prevent sugar levels from getting too high if there is not enough insulin, or the opposite, too low, which can cause a serious condition called hypoglycemia. Both are dangerous and have significant physical symptoms.

More recently, researchers have been looking at ways to replace damaged islet cells with new healthy cells. This may help find a way to prevent the body’s immune system from attacking and destroying new cells. Some believe this might be the strongest avenue in finding a cure.

Calling in The Unicorn Wranglers

Traditionally, JDRF has used their annual One Walks as a primary method to raise funds for diabetes research within the community. Normally this is done through developing teams that center around a family member living with T1D and having people make donations for the walk.

However, in the last couple of years, the walks have transitioned to a virtual platform due to COVID in order to limit large gatherings. Needless to say, much of the community cohesiveness centered around the walks has eroded.

While 2022 is seeing a return of the JDRF Walks fundraising, there is not one scheduled to occur in Tallahassee. Teams are encouraged to participate in the closest JDRF Walk which is in Jacksonville. However, that does not mean that the Tallahassee area will go without a fundraising event here in town.

Several years ago, the band called The Unicorn Wranglers began participating in events to help raise funds for the JDRF Tallahassee Walk Team, also named The Unicorn Wranglers. In the past, the band has participated in an annual music event named “Rock One to None.”

Ian and Adam Waldron, brothers who were both born and raised in Tallahassee created The Unicorn Wranglers band 10 years ago because of their love of rock music. They picked the name from a movie script they once started, but never completed.

They enjoy participating in fundraising events to help raise money to fund research for T1D as the lead guitarist of The Unicorn Wranglers, Ian Waldron, has been a Type 1 diabetic as long as the band has been around.

Rocking to raise money

As with previous “Rock One to None” shows, this event is very much a Tallahassee community event. It starts with selecting a fantastic location and this year it is being played at the Railroad Square Craft House.

The band agreed on this venue as they said, “nothing says come out and enjoy some good music in a relaxed atmosphere as Railroad Square.” Not only will this show be reaching out and inviting all previous teams that have participated in earlier JDRF Tallahassee Walks, but the invite goes to families, friends, people who enjoy live music, and the public in general!

The lineup for the bands is also community based. While The Unicorn Wranglers are no stranger to Tallahassee, there will be two other local bands that be dazzling the audience with their music.

First on at the venue will be Tallahassee’s very own Samarium. A band that started up while they were in high school. They are back home from college and ready to reunite the band and their fans. Second on the bill is a newly developed band called Permanent Record which includes a trio of rocking teachers from Montford Middle School.

Finally, what makes the “Rock One to None” such a great community event is that the show is an all-ages family event. Also, there is no cover charge. People are asked to donate whatever they can.

While a primary purpose of this show is to collect donations to benefit JDRF, it is also designed to allow people to learn more about Type 1 diabetes and to come together as a community. So, for a rocking good night of family fun, be at the Craft House at Railroad Square, Saturday, May 21. Live music will be going on from 6-9 p.m.

John Waldron is an Outreach Volunteer, JDRF – North Florida Chapter. Contact him at bigdogwaldron@gmail.com.

If you go

What: "Rock One to None" with The Unicorn Wranglers to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 21

Where: Craft House at Railroad Square, 644 McDonnell Drive

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Unicorn Wranglers concert is a benefit for type 1 diabetes research