One Type 1 is One Too Many
Wednesday - October 19, 2011 Share
By Gail Chew, Executive Director,
JDRF
Founded in 1970 by parents whose children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has been a global leader in advancing research toward a cure and ensuring better lives for people with the disease. The organization’s mission is to find a cure for the autoimmune disease, which strikes children and adults suddenly and lasts a lifetime. Three million Americans have type 1 diabetes; 40 children and 40 adults are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every day.
Globally, JDRF has funded $1.5 billion worth of diabetes research, which is more diabetes research than any other charitable organization. JDRF is dedicated to developing new and better treatments that improve the lives of people with type 1 diabetes while we advance toward a cure.
Volunteers at 100 locations worldwide, including Hawaii, are the driving force behind the organization’s success. These volunteers help ensure the funding for scientific discoveries that can be translated into real solutions, such as therapies and devices that tangibly benefit people with diabetes.
|
Although people today with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin to manage the disease, insulin is not a cure, nor does it prevent the possibilities of the disease’s devastating effects, which can include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, amputation and pregnancy complications. An invaluable program is the JDRF and glucose meter company AccuChek’s Bag of Hope. The program delivers resources to families when a child is newly diagnosed. The resources include a book for understanding diabetes, JDRF’s stuffed bear Rufus, a glucose meter, children’s books on dealing with diabetes, informational DVDs and a calorie counter book. JDRF also coordinates visits to schools to assist teachers, staff and volunteers, and provides a support network and resources for children, young adults and families.
The Walk to Cure Diabetes will take place Saturday, Oct. 29, at Kapiolani Park and is an opportunity for families and the community to come together in support of our mission.
For more information on the Walk and JDRF, or to form a Walk team, sign up at jdrf.org or call 988-1000.
Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS Comments (0) |
Most Recent Comment(s):
