Why We Support JDRF

About 1.25 million children and adults are currently living with T1D in America.  Because T1D affects so many families in so many ways, there are a number of nonprofit organizations dedicated to the disease.  We choose to support JDRF at this time for a number of reasons.

Many other organizations, like the American Diabetes Association, fund research for both type one and type two diabetes, which are completely different diseases, with different causes, management and outcomes.  We want to support the organization that funds research towards curing only this unique disease and works to make life as a T1D patient better and safer.

We want this disease to GO AWAY and no other organization has made bigger strides toward finding a cure than JDRF.  Since its inception, JDRF has raised or directed over $5 billion to researching a cure and supporting those with T1D.  And every day they are actually getting closer to a cure by conducting important research on beta cell replacement and T1D vaccines which would actually eradicate T1D.  

In addition to working towards a cure, JDRF spends billions to research new technologies and treatments that help those live with T1D.  For example, they have funded research that helped bring Louie's continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and his Omnipod insulin pump to market.  They are also currently funding research towards an artificial pancreas which will make controlling Louie's glucose level so much easier.  

Like every child diagnosed with T1D in an American hospital, Louie received a JDRF Bag of Hope that included a glucose monitor, a special teddy bear on which to practice his insulin shots, medic alert bracelets, a calculator, glucose tabs, coupons and several fun books and pamphlets to help him understand T1D better.  Lou and I received helpful literature and invaluable access to support groups and mentors who have helped us as caregivers learn the ropes (and have given us a safe place to vent). We have definitely benefitted as a family from the resources we gained from JDRF in the hospital and online.

But the JDRF OneWalk itself has become such an inspirational and fun day for Super Lou that it would be impossible not to support this cause.  Over 20,000 people participated in last year's walk at the Mall of America.  It was incredible.  And Louie got to meet and see so many kids and adults with T1D just like him.  The walk made Super Lou feel less alone and also made him see how many people truly care about making T1D disappear.  For that, we will continue to support JDRF as long as we can.

JDRF does so much more for families with T1D than what we've listed here.  For more information, check out their website at www.jdrf.org.