HIGH POINT, N.C. — By the time a Piedmont mom and dad’s oldest son graduates from high school, they hope to have accomplished a big time goal of their own.

“I want the date he leaves home to have a cure, that gives me four years,” said Carlos Sanchez, dad to 14-year-old Sebastian. “I want to put all of my effort in that.”

Beatriz and Carlos’ son Sebastian has type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed at 16 months old after he had been very sick for two weeks straight and doctors at first couldn’t determine what was wrong. Very quickly, the family’s world became a whirlwind of shots and blood sugar and worry.

“It can be overwhelming,” said mom Beatriz. “But we’re committed to putting on a happy face for it. We now know how to handle all of it. We just want to do what we can to raise money for research to find a cure for diabetes.”

The two are riding in a 100-mile plus bike ride next month in Arizona to raise money for research and also host large gatherings at their home, recruiting friends and family member to also work hard in raising awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

FOX8 is a sponsor of this weekend’s JDRF walk/5K. It’s Saturday at New Bridge Bank Park at 408 Bellemeade St. in downtown Greensboro. Registration is still open. We hope to see you there!