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!

There Is Hope!

I have always admired Halle Berry, the African-American actress who has diabetes, for maintaining a sugar-free diet and controlling her illness without the use of insulin. The difference between her and my son; however, is that she has type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires that the individual utilize insulin numerous times a day, usually before or after meals, in order to regulate blood sugar levels. My son is on the Omni pod wireless pump as well as the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor so my hope of eliminating insulin from our lives has never been high. As I continue to research and learn more about the disease, a glimmer of light shines through Karla Edge, a woman who has type 1 diabetes and has been insulin-free for eleven years. Karla's story can be read in the November 23, 2016 Miami Herald newspaper: <http://www.miamiherald.com/living/health-fitness/article116583113.html>

For those who are not as lucky as Karla, the advances in medical technology still offer optimism for individuals living with the disease. In a July 2017 Click2Houston article, health reporter Haley Hernandez highlights a device that is being considered a life-changing medical breakthrough for type 1 diabetics. The 'artificial pancreas' has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will enhance the quality of life for T1D patients and their families. Read this article to learn more about this new device: <http://www.click2houston.com/news/device-could-help-people-with-type-1-diabetes>

Have you or anyone you know been able to maintain an insulin-free life while coping with type 1 diabetes?