JDRF Indiana State Chapter
What is JDRF?
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) was founded in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. In any given year, over 85 percent of funds raised by JDRF go directly to this mission. Locally, the Indiana State Chapter raises over $4 million annually through fundraising events such as the Walk to Cure Diabetes, Promise Gala, Ride to Cure and Swing for a Cure and through Major Gifts.
JDRF is responsible for more than $1.4 billion in direct funding since it was founded. Our research review process not only includes leading research scientists from around the world, but lay reviewers who either have type 1 diabetes or have family members with type 1 diabetes, ensuring that JDRF funds research with the greatest impact throughout the world, leading to results as soon as possible.
Who does JDRF serve?
The 1.5 to 3 million people living with type 1 diabetes, over 7,000 of whom live in Indiana. Diagnosis usually occurs in childhood, striking children suddenly, making them dependent on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carrying the constant threat of devastating complications. Type 1 diabetes can and does strike adults as well. While the causes of this process are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. To stay alive, people with type 1 diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily or continually infuse insulin through a pump, and test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times per day. While trying to balance insulin doses with their food intake and daily activities, people with this form of diabetes must always be prepared for serious hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) reactions, both of which can be life-limiting and life threatening.
 JDRF Youth Ambassador Nora Blythe, age 7, of Avon, Indiana, is pictured above. Nora is counting on JDRF to find a cure for diabetes soon so she doesn’t have to face complications later in life. |
How can you help? A cure takes research and research takes funding. The sooner we find a cure, the sooner those who are living with type 1 diabetes won’t have to worry about devastating complications. Visit www.jdrf.org or www.jdrf.org/indiana to learn more about JDRF or call 317-469-9604. |
Promise Gala
Sponsors
State Chapter
Fund A Cure
