Type 1 diabetes first struck the Hy-Vee family in 1921 when company cofounder Charles Hyde’s oldest son, Paul died from the disease when he was 8 years old.  As the needs of children with diabetes grew, Hy-Vee dedicated its efforts to help Breakthrough T1D find a cure for the debilitating disease.  Since 1998, the year former Hy-Vee CEO Ron Pearson was corporate chair for the Breakthrough T1D Walk Des Moines, the company has raised over $19 million.  Funds are raised through a variety of corporate and store events; including walks throughout Hy-Vee land and Team Hy-Vee participation in the Ride to Cure Diabetes program throughout the United States.