Volunteer Spotlight: The Guzan Family

Don, Gale, Jake and CJ Guzan have been volunteering for the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes since 1999.  Many Lakefront Walkers will recognize them from their numerous years managing the T-shirt Tent.  The Guzan family does not have a direct family connection to type 1 diabetes.  Their dedication mainly comes from their desire to serve their community as well as support friends who have diabetes.


In 1999, Gale and Jake walked and raised donations for the Aon Corporation team while Don and CJ, six years old at the time, volunteered for the first time and were placed at the T-shirt tent.  Since that time, Don and his family have made the t-shirt tent their own:  bringing their own signs, using their perfected t-shirt sizing techniques, and making t-shirt distribution fun and efficient.


Don said the best part of managing the t-shirt tent is “Getting people to laugh.  Making new friends.”  It is not often that organizations see volunteers as dedicated as the Guzan family.  When asked why they continue to volunteer year after year Don responded, “Because it’s the right thing to do.  We are very proud of the fact that our two boys volunteer all the time because of the JDRF Walk.”  As for the 2011 Walk?  “We will be back.”


Thank you to the Guzan family for their commitment, dedication, and hard work year after year.  The Lakefront T-shirt Tent would not be the same without you.

JDRF is grateful for all of our dedicated volunteers.  For more information on how you can volunteer with JDRF, please click here.