Type 1 diabetes, or T1D, is a chronic autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It used to be called juvenile diabetes, but recent statistics show 85 percent of the 3 million Americans who live with it are adults, with 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The disease requires lifelong dependency on injected or pumped insulin. It strikes suddenly, affecting all bodily systems. Complications include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage—and death. There is no cure.
JDRF, formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is dedicated to developing better treatments for the disease, preventing it in the future, and finding a cure. “We focus on translating research into life-changing ways to help individuals with T1D lead healthier lives,” says Marie Davis, executive director of the JDRF Greater Missouri and Southern Illinois Chapter. “By understanding the underlying causes of the disease, we seek to keep it from occurring in the future.”
To achieve these goals, JDRF collaborates with a broad spectrum of academic and federal partners, corporations, and regulatory agencies. “We’re the only organization with the scientific resources, influence and strategy to better treat, prevent and eventually cure T1D,” Davis says. JDRF also provides support and education to individuals with diabetes and their families, advocates rapid access to new therapies and devices, and fights for treatment reimbursement for patients. The local chapter serves more than 3,000 families and raises more than $3 million each year for research and related education.
As the world’s largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF currently sponsors $568 million in scientific research in 17 countries and funds more than 50 human clinical trials. Recent advances include an implant of encapsulated, insulin-producing cells that regulate blood sugar, freeing people with diabetes from daily insulin injections; an artificial pancreas system that delivers and monitors insulin, eliminating the need for frequent blood glucose testing; and ‘smart’ insulin, a drug that works only when needed.
But life-saving research is costly. A major JDRF fundraiser, the annual Dream Gala, takes place May 2 at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch. The event, emceed by Russell Kinsaul of KMOV, is co-chaired by JDRF board member and volunteer Thanda Meehan and Daniel Meehan. Honorees include Edward Jones (represented by managing partner Jim Weddle), which will receive the Living and Giving Award for philanthropic community involvement, and Jay Wolfe Toyota West County (represented by Johnnie Andrawos), which will receive the Star of Hope Award for fundraising efforts on behalf of JDRF.
“We hope everyone joins us for one of the most fun-filled parties of the year,” Davis says. “Our theme is Samba Dream, and highlights include pre-party samba lessons and the Fund A Cure auction, featuring many unique items and experiences. Our dream is to keep individuals with T1D healthy, help their families and, ultimately, find a cure. We’ve never been closer, but we can’t do it without steadfast support from donors who share our vision of a world without T1D.”
[JDRF’s Dream Gala 2015, themed Samba Dream, takes place May 2 at Hyatt Regency St . Louis at The Arch. For more information, call 314.729.1846 or visit jdrf.stl.org.]
Photo courtesy of JDRF
