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CONCORD, N.C. -- Nearly 200 people kicked off the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Rowan-Iredell-Cabarrus Walk on Wednesday.

Organizers held a luncheon at the Speedway Club which Heather Waliga helped emcee on behalf of News 14 Carolina, a media sponsor of the local JDRF Walks.

As many as 3 million Americans may have Type 1 diabetes, and each year, more than 15,000 children in the U.S., or 40 per day, are diagnosed with the disease.

JDRF is the largest charitable funder of research for Type 1 diabetes. This year's theme is 'Journey to a Cure: Don't Stop Believin'.

"We have about 185 people here; it is the official start of walk season,” said Laura Maciag, executive director of the JDRF Charlotte Chapter. “We have corporate teams here, school teams and individuals who want to raise money for JDRF."

Last year, JDRF's national Walk to Cure Diabetes program generated more than $101 million.

The Ric Walk is set for Saturday, May 1st at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. Another walk is planned for at Carowinds on Saturday, April 17.

Click here to find out how you can donate to the cause or to join our walk.