Read the May issue of our monthly eNews.

In this Issue:

-Help Us Set the Pace: 31st Annual Boston Gala
-Join Us at the 2013 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony
-Upcoming Volunteer Fundraisers
-JDRF Convenes First-Ever Encapsulation Consortium
-May Cure Champion
-Register Today for the Walk to Cure Diabetes
-Children’s Congress 2013
-Off to College Program
-Final Voting Open for the 2013 Our Everyday Heroes Race Car Design Contest

Do you share our need for speed in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research progress? Then vote for one of the 10 finalists in the 2013 Our Everyday Heroes Race Car Design Contest, hosted by Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD). From now until May 28, vote for your favorite JDRF-themed race car design, submitted by a child living with T1D, by making a monetary donation to JDRF. On May 29, 2013, final judging will take place, and the Contest winner will be announced!

The lucky winner will receive the trip of a lifetime to the Route 66 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals in Joliet, IL, to see his or her design painted on the Funny Car driven by Bob Tasca III. Bob will drive the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car at speeds greater than 300 miles per hour during the event June 28 to 30, 2013.

Meet 2012 Our Everyday Heroes winner Libby Ledford

Twelve-year-old Libby Ledford of Stanton, MI, saw her race car design roar to life last summer. Diagnosed with T1D at age eight, Libby comes from a family that “eats, sleeps, and breathes” auto racing. She is an avid drag racer, as are her father, Jeff, and brother, Lane. When the Ledfords learned about the FCSD Race Car Design Contest for JDRF, Libby set to work and submitted a colorful combination of her best ideas. Friends and family voted online by making donations, and Libby’s design won. Her artwork appeared on the NHRA Funny Car, driven by Bob Tasca III at the July race in Norwalk, OH. The 2012 contest raised $24,819 for JDRF, and Libby’s drawing earned $1,915.

Libby Ledford, winner, 2012 Our Everyday Heroes Race Car Design Contest

Libby’s mother, Denise Ledford, says her daughter’s win “felt like it was meant to be.” For Libby, the most exciting moment came when the Tasca team pulled back the cover from the car and revealed her design. “It was amazing how they put exactly what I drew on the car,” Libby says.

The Norwalk race may be over, but the pace of Libby’s life as a sixth grader hasn’t slowed. In addition to drag racing on most summer weekends, Libby plays softball, volleyball, and basketball. Denise says Libby has never let T1D hold her back. “If anything, she is more disciplined and has more energy than any kid I know.”

The Ledfords view the friendships they developed with the team of FCSD, JDRF, and Bob Tasca III as lifelong connections and keep in touch with everyone. Ford Motor Company is JDRF’s largest global partner. Last year, Ford contributed more than $3 million to JDRF. The Race Car Design Contest is just one of the many unique programs that Ford conducts to help fund T1D research and support the JDRF community.

To see your favorite design in action, please vote at fordracecar.jdrf.org.

Gary Hall, Jr. has 10 Olympic medals in swimming—most of them won after his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in March 1999 at age 24.  He is a member of the Olympic Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame on May 11, 2013.  During his career Gary set several world and American swimming records in freestyle and relay events.  He retired from competitive swimming in 2008, dedicating his life to advocacy and work to benefit those living with T1D.  He continues to use swimming and athletics as a tool to managing a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and has participated in the Cohasset Triathlon to benefit JDRF since 2009.

Gary credits support from the diabetes community not only with enabling him to return to swimming, but also with helping him win Olympic medals after his diagnosis.  “At that point of diagnosis, my philosophy on life, and my career path, changed drastically.  The appreciation that I feel to the T1D community for their help in not just getting me through a rough time, but also sustaining me as I was on top of the awards block at the Olympic games—this is powerful stuff,” he says. “So until there is a cure for this disease, being involved in this community is most important to me.”

In his leadership role with JDRF, Gary serves on the Government Relations Committee, is a Celebrity Advocate and spokesman, is a motivational speaker for JDRF Chapters around the country, and has testified before the U.S. Senate on behalf of JDRF and increased funding for T1D research.  His presence at JDRF’s events such as Children’s Congress, in conjunction with his inspirational remarks, has encouraged hundreds of children with T1D to follow their own dreams.

Gary acknowledges that he has helped change the world for people with T1D, but shares the credit with other athletes who also broke down barriers by achieving what was previously thought impossible, like Will Cross, who has had T1D since he was 9.  “I see that same effect with any major accomplishment with diabetes in any sport.  When someone like Will Cross successfully climbs to the top of Mt. Everest, these barriers come crashing down, and you see a ripple effect that grows over the years,” he notes. “There are now so many more role models with T1D who have accomplished incredible things, in all sports.  To think I played some small part in that, that’s humbling to acknowledge.”

Gary is currently an active healthcare consultant providing board support, strategic alliance, marketing and public relations strategy, advocacy, awareness, outreach, planning and implementation.  He serves on the Sanford International Children’s Board, Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation, National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute Leadership Board, University of Arizona Department of Surgery Advisory Board, and the International Diabetes Federation Blue Circle Champion.

JDRF will honor Gary at the 31st Annual Boston Gala on Saturday, May 18, 2013. 

Each year more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults are diagnosed with T1D in the U.S. alone.  JDRF continues to work to expand its efforts to better support people of all ages and at all stages with the disease and provide them with the information and support necessary to live well with T1D.

Request a Pak online, or contact Lauren Shields at (781) 431-0700 or lshields@jdrf.org for more information about this and JDRF’s other available resources and support programs.

In this Issue:

-Special Thanks to Our Boston Marathon Team
-Dive In and Join Us at the 2013 Boston Gala
-Run to Cure Diabetes
-Be the Face of T1D and Become a Youth Ambassador
-13th Annual ADESA Boston Classic Car and Motorcycle Run
-Spotlight on Research
-April Cure Champion
-National Volunteer Week 2013
-New Outreach Kit to Support Newly Diagnosed Adults with T1D
-Upcoming Education and Support Programs
-Important Blood Glucose Meter Recall Information

Read more. 

Bill Burnett is the Managing Director and Founder of Streamline Events.  He launched his first triathlon in his coastal hometown of Cohasset, MA in 2007.  The Cohasset Triathlon was originally created to showcase the beautiful seaside town, but Bill also wanted to give back to the community.  After seeing for years what a good friend’s son had to endure managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) on a daily basis, he knew he wanted to raise money for JDRF’s mission.

The Cohasset Triathlon, now in its seventh year, has raised nearly $1 million for T1D research to date and continues to be one of JDRF’s largest and most successful volunteer fundraising events across the country.  The event has also become one of the largest, most popular sprint distant races in New England, attracting athletes such as Gary Hall, Jr., an Olympic swimmer and JDRF Advocate who has lived with T1D since 1999; Jarrod Shoemaker, a professional triathlete and Olympian; Dick and Rick Hoyt of the inspiring Team Hoyt; and former United States Senator Scott Brown (R-MA).

Bill and all of the event’s supporters have dramatically increased awareness of T1D and demystified it, showing that people affected by the disease overcome challenges every day but can also live normal, productive lives.  There’s no better evidence of this than the “Tri Team for Diabetes,” a growing group of older teens and adults with T1D who compete in the Cohasset Triathlon every year.

According to Bill, “I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support from the T1D community.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  The passion and drive to find a cure is so strong.  People often ask me how we made the Cohasset Triathlon so successful and my answer is simple: Surround yourself with good people who are passionate and have high integrity and good things will happen.”

Streamline Events specializes in staging triathlon, open water swimming, and trail running events.  The company currently organizes events throughout New England as well as Florida and New Jersey, bringing in over 7,000 athletes annually.  Bill credit’s Streamline’s success to a combination of hard work and good fortune—as well as a strong team of volunteers who are willing to go the extra mile.  An All-American swimmer in college, he keeps in shape with the Harvard Masters Swim Team.  He regularly gets up at 4:30 a.m. for an early practice that gives him a jump-start on the day.

“I started racing with my local swim team in Birmingham, Michigan when I was 8.  I learned early on that some of life’s greatest challenges and sweetest rewards can be achieved from athletic camaraderie and competition.  That has certainly been the case with Streamline Events.  I’ve been inspired by the athletes who cross the finish line for the first time as well as the Olympic athletes who join in a ‘hometown’ competition,” said Bill.

JDRF will recognize Bill as the 2013 Nancy Jones Diabetes Champion at the 31st Annual Boston Gala on Saturday,  May 18, 2013. To learn more about the Cohasset Triathlon, visit www.cohassettri.com. 

Before the plates are manufactured, we need to collect 1,500 applicants. To remain active, a total of 3,000 plates must be issued within the first two years.  JDRF will receive $28 of the initial $40 fee for the plate. Two years later when you renew the plate, JDRF receives a full $40. In two years, you will have donated $68 directly to JDRF and our efforts to cure, treat, and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D). More importantly, your license plate will help spread awareness of JDRF and T1D.

Are you interested in a specialty JDRF license plate? Complete our online interest form to pledge your support or contact us at (781) 431-0700 or baystate@jdrf.org for more information.

In this Issue:

• Registration Now Open for the 2013 Walk to Cure Diabetes
• Toast A Cure
• Upcoming Volunteer Fundraisers
• Spotlight on Research
• March Cure Champions
• Bookmark our New URL
• Bag of Hope Volunteer and Mentor Training
• Upcoming Outreach Programs
• Introducing the JDRF Pregnancy Toolkit
• JDRF Clinical Trials Connection

Read more. 

Download the Toolkit at www.jdrf.org/pregnancy or contact Lauren Shields at (781) 431-0700 or lshields@jdrf.org to receive a print copy.

JDRF is part of the Boston Athletic Association’s Boston Marathon Official Charity Program and has a team of runners participating in the 117th running of the race on April 15, 2013.

Our marathoners come from near and far and each share a commitment to raising funds for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.  Collectively the team has already raised more than $54,000 for our mission to-date!  A special thanks also to our marathon coaches Mary Tolland and Neil Wallack and committee members Mike Samuels and Laura Takach for supporting our runners along their journey.

Meet the team:  

Chris Benjamin
Honolulu, HI
“Not only is it a dream for me to run Boston, but I am thrilled to be running it for JDRF.  As a long-time JDRF volunteer, I can vouch, first hand, for the diligence and effectiveness with which JDRF directs its donors’ contributions to the best research in the world.”

Tracy Collyer
Derry, NH
“I am running for my nephew Patrick who has T1D.”

Erika Djerf
Quincy, MA
“I want to run for my grandfather, uncle, cousin and for everyone else living with diabetes as well as their families.”

Mark Donovan
Brooklyn, NY
“This fundraising opportunity signifies the convergence of three passions in my life: running marathons, supporting those with personal struggle, and becoming more personally involved with organizations focused on improving the lives of many.”

Barry Falcon
Marietta, GA
“I’m running in honor of my son Michael, who has lived with T1D for 10 years now; he was 12 at diagnosis and is now 22.”

Christine Hunt
Waltham, MA
“I want to run for my uncle and for all students with T1D.”

Ken Hutcheson
Orlando, FL
“I have found in the past my activities in business, family, and the community allow me to educate others on diabetes-related issues and motivate those I come into contact with who have been impacted by diabetes.  This is much more effective when I have real-life examples of what can be accomplished while living daily with T1D.  Completing the Boston Marathon would set this bar high.”

Sue Kiley
Andover, MA
“I am running with my friend, Sue Kiley, for the LeBrun family—our good friends and neighbors whose son Gavin was diagnosed with T1D in kindergarten.”

Ellen McGlynn
Andover, MA
“I am running this marathon with my dear friend Sue Kiley.  Our families are good friends with Gavin LeBrun, our neighbor, and his family.  Gavin was diagnosed with diabetes on the last day of school in kindergarten.  Over the last two and a half years he and his family have gone through a huge adjustment period but he is a tough kid and his parents are even stronger.  We’re running for them.”

Erin Megan
Brighton, MA
“My younger sister was diagnosed three months ago at the age of 20.  It was an extremely unexpected diagnosis.  She learned to adjust very fast in order to stay on track and start her nursing degree this fall.  If she can do that, I can definitely run 26.2 miles towards a cure.”

Michael Marino
Norfolk, MA
“My wife’s cousin, Grace, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a few years ago and I am running for her and to find a cure for this disease.”

Joey Naylor
Newton, MA
“Jack Beggans is who I initially wanted to run for and to help fundraise for, but the motivation has unquestionably grown beyond just Jack’s story since my experience running for JDRF last year, which provided me the opportunity to hear the stories of so many others affected by T1D.”

Mike Samuels
Boston, MA
“I have T1D but my motivation is for all the young kids who have to deal with this disease.”

Jeffrey Spear
Boston, MA
“I am running to support a charity I’ve been involved with since childhood.”

Donald Spence
Boston, MA
“In a small way the training and the running of a marathon is a tribute to the perseverance and challenge every patient faces day to day living with this disease.   If I can help contribute to the cure or assist in any way then it would be a privilege to run.”

David Stanick, Jr.
Rochdale, MA
“If there was a cure for T1D, my nephew, several staff, and students at my school would be able to live a more normal life.”

Andrew Sugg
Honolulu, HI (formerly of Sudbury, MA)
“My son, Sam, has been living with T1D for five years.  He’s my inspiration, my motivation and my hero.  I’ll be thinking of him every step of the 26.2 miles.”

Stephanie Williams
Canton, MA
“I know of three children in my school with T1D.  Seeing all of their struggles makes me want to help work towards a cure.”

Andrew Winter
North Potomac, MD
“I want to run the Boston Marathon in honor of my 8-year-old daughter who has had T1D since 2008.”

Learn more about the team and support their efforts, and be sure to cheer them on in April on Marathon Monday!