Volunteer work that supports a family member

Mary first became involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International 7 years ago when her then 8 year old nephew was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Since then, her husband, son and herself have participated in Walk for a Cure to raise money to support JDRF work.  Until 2009, the walk was held locally and, while the events were local, Mary continued to take on more responsibility by working the silent auction during the walk ensuring that the tables were set up and merchandised, accepting item bids and collecting money after the event.  She also worked a second silent auction event held at a local church.  Mary’s family also supported fundraisers at local restaurants each year where a portion of the sales went toward JDRF.  While her goal has not been to take on a leadership role, she has been happy being a “worker bee” for this cause.

Before becoming involved Mary researched the organization in order to see that it was reputable.  She liked the fact that JDRF focuses on type 1 diabetes alone rather than supporting type 2 diabetes.  The positive outcomes of her participation have been meeting new people and the good feeling of giving back to society.

When asked if she has agreed with the morals of the organization, Mary responded that she did not feel that one needs to have the same morals.  While she is not as emotionally involved as much as a parent would be with finding a cure for type 1 diabetes, she feels that one should just find out if the organization is doing good work.  If one does not agree with everything it is OK.  Just as with friends, you may not agree with everything they do, but you still keep them as a friend.  This organization has helped a lot of people and that is good enough for her to continue supporting them with her efforts. 

Mary’s nephew has benefited from her participation as well.  At the charity walks, vendors for diabetic supply companies are set up to tell people about their products and give away stuff to help the type 1 person in your life.  Therefore, she has received a glucose monitor for when her nephew is at her house and also supplies to keep with her (glucose tablets) just in case her nephew goes high or low while he is with her.

A review of the JDRF website provides interesting reading. 

• The causes of type 1 diabetes is not known, however, scientists believe that it is a malfunction of the pancreas whereby the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells.
• Common myths about type 1 diabetes include that it is caused by excessive sugar intake or obesity. 
• Genes account for less than half of the risk for this disease so other factors influence the development of type 1 diabetes. 
• Research is one of the major goals of JDRF.

A reading of the 2009 annual report for JDRF enlightens us more.  82 percent of their expenditures ($142 million) go toward research and education programs.  Their research programs are driven by patients, priorities, partnerships, and pipeline.  The annual report describes further how research funds are chosen:

First, we judge the “patient benefit,” the quality of improvement that research would deliver, and the percentage of people with type 1 diabetes who would benefit. Then we look at the “time to benefit,” or how long it will take to deliver a drug or treatment. Next is the “scientific impact,” or the potential of the researchto advance science. Finally, we consider the “funding gap,” so that we are only funding science that otherwise wouldn’t be able to move forward.

JDRF has chosen a strategy of cure, treat, and prevent.  This allows them to focus dollars on research at every stage of the disease.  They also fund a mix of short term and long term projects.

If you are interested in learning more or becoming involved in this cause, visit the JDRF website.  The website contains information on living with diabetes type 1, advocacy actions that you could take to work toward a cure for this disease, and information on current research related to this condition.  You can also search for a local chapter to become involved personally with this organization.  All donations to chapters and branches are tax deductible.