Polar Bear Swim at Sunken Meadow

 CLICK PICTURE TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY OF THE POLAR BEAR SWIM!

It’s January 1, 2012 for most of us the thought of celebrating New Years Day by taking a swim in the Long Island Sound was not even a consideration.  And yet, there they were at Sunken Meadow State Park stripping off their protective clothing and running into the surf.  Crazy? Perhaps.  Generous? Absolutely.

The “Polar Bear Plunge” raised money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

Juvenile diabetes (type 1) is a disorder of the body’s immune system. Symptoms include: Increased thirst and frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, yeast infection.  Parents are encouraged to speak with a physician if your child exhibits any of these symptoms. 

According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation –

As many as three million Americans may have type 1 diabetes. 

Each year, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults – approximately 80 people per day – are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the U.S.

85 percent of people living with type 1 diabetes are adults.

The rate of type 1 diabetes incidence among children under the age of 14 is estimated to increase by 3% annually worldwide. 

The people in the photos took the “Polar Bear Plunge” to raise money and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes and the work being done to find a cure. The water may have been cold but the willingness of the participants to help those who are suffering from this disease was enough to warm a person’s heart. 

To donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation click here.