An eight-year-old Fort McMurray boy is trying to help find a cure for diabetes.

Ethan Evans was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in March and has since been raising funds and awareness.

This includes educating his classmates and putting up a lemonade stand in Abasand.

“Diabetes is very close to our hearts as a family, we have three people in our family that have Type 1 Diabetes and finding a cure would be awesome,” said Stephanie Evans, Ethan’s mom.

Ethan has raised over $1,600 for JDRF, a non-profit that focuses on diabetes research and helping families cope with the illness. This includes $263 from his lemonade stand and $10 of his own money.

He’s also planning to head to Red Deer on Sunday to take part in the Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes. This is the second time he’s taken part after walking for his Aunt who also has Type 1 Diabetes.

Stephanie says they have plans to try and create a walk here in Fort McMurray.

“It’s nice to meet other kids who are also going through the same stuff as he’s going through.”

Meanwhile, Ethan wants others who are suffering from Diabetes to know that the disease doesn’t control them.

“It’s ok to be a little different and together we’ll get through it.”