JDRF, the leading global funder of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, commemorates National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM) by honoring the strength of the T1D community with the "Power of Us" campaign.
"This year, we step into an NDAM like no other, as the world continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic," said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., JDRF president and CEO. "As an organization, we want to celebrate the continued strength of the community and our support systems, who together power the perseverance every person with T1D needs to manage this disease, especially in this time."
JDRF continues to reimagine signature events for the T1D community including the recent JDRF Miracles Gala held in the community last month and is offering a new ride format for their signature ride program. Called JDRF My Ride, the new season which extends through the end of 2020, allows anyone to participate in their own way: indoors on a trainer, outdoors on a bike, with friends or on their own.
“We may be apart, but we’re together for the mission, and we won’t stop until we get to the ultimate finish line: a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D),” said Market Director Brooks Biagini.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening autoimmune disease that can strike children and adults at any age. It requires rigorous 24/7 monitoring of blood glucose levels — even overnight — to avoid potentially lethal highs and lows in blood sugar, as well as other devastating complications like kidney, eye and nerve diseases. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset is sudden and is not related to diet or lifestyle. In T1D, the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, meaning the body produces little to no insulin to regulate blood sugar and get energy from food. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and — at present — nothing you can do to get rid of it.
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since its inception in 1970. It is an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion and energy. JDRF collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Its staff and volunteers throughout the United States and five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and a vision of a world without T1D.
If you or a loved one are impacted with type 1 diabetes and would like to learn about opportunities to connect with others in the community, contact JDRF Northern Florida at (904) 739-2101.
For more information on National Diabetes Awareness Month, go to jdrf.org/NDAM.
