JDRF to the Rescue

Have you ever wondered how you can help individuals with diabetes, although you yourself may not have the disease? Well, wonder no more!

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. It was established in 1970 and houses its headquarters right here in New York. The foundation has chapters all over the country along with seven international affiliations, and sponsors research in seventeen different countries, as well. As part of their yearly fundraising efforts, JDRF hosts two yearly public events in the United States. Ride for the Cure and Walk for the Cure. In both of these fundraisers, participants sign up and raise money, then actually ride a bike or walk an established route on the day of the event. Last year, my family and I raised over $3500.00 for the foundation and had an incredible time participating in the walk.  

As a person who does not suffer from T1D, you can always lend a listening ear or compassionate attitude to those who do. That kindness goes a long way. To help in a more tangible way, donations to the foundation will aid in their ongoing and new research projects in an attempt to find a cure. JDRF has created technology that has been life altering for people with T1D, including the artificial pancreas, which is an external device that continuously monitors glucose levels and pumps insulin into the body when necessary. 

Walk for the Cure 2016

It is not hard to get involved with the diabetic community. You can fundraise, donate, volunteer and advocate locally or on a national level. There are chapters in each state and events you can attend to educate others or become more knowledgeable yourself. So don't wait! Get involved with JDRF today!