Charity Spotlight: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Written by Chris Alexis, CYP CLUB Newsletter Coordinator

Every 30 seconds, a new case of diabetes is diagnosed.

That means that by the time readers finish this article, the number of diabetes patients will have already increased.

But time also brings the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation more and more resources to fight back. And they're always looking for help.

The JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, says Kelsey Gaskins, Special Events Coordinator for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

She describes the foundation as "driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease."

The JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, she says. In fact, since its founding in 1970, the organization has awarded a staggering $1.6 billion in diabetes research.
"The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D," Gaskin says. "JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered."

Young professionals who want to help wage war on diabetes can get involved in the JDRF's two annual events: the Walk to Cure Diabetes in the fall and the Promise Ball Gala in the spring. "We also organize many support groups including Mom’s Night Out, Adult Socials and other events to bring local type 1’s together," Gaskins says.

The JDRF is always looking for volunteers at their office or events. Opportunities include forming a Walk team at this year's Walk on Sunday, September 30th at The Ohio State University, plan a third-party fundraiser or participate in our upcoming Promise Ball on May 5th at the Hilton Polaris.

The number of diabetes cases is always rising. The JDRF is looking for people to rise up against this disease and find a cure.

More information can be found by visiting www.jdrf.org/midohio and checking out the organization's Facebook Fan Page.