Tell Us What Connected You or Your Nominee to This Organization
JDRF (formerly known as The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of the 1.5 million people in the US who live with type 1 diabetes (T1D) through research for a cure and outreach programs. My husband, Kevin, has lived with this chronic 24/7 condition for 55 years and we know first hand how important the work of JDRF is to support T1Ds and their loved ones. We were introduced to JDRF in 2000 by volunteering for the Hope Gala in San Francisco for the Bay Area Chapter. Since that time, we have continued to support the gala, serve as board members, participate in outreach for newly diagnosed and T1D adults, and fundraise for the annual One Walk and Ride for A Cure.
What Inspires You About the Organization, Mission or Your Nominee's Role
As part of the local JDRF community, we can support and connect in so many different ways, events and activities. For volunteering this is a terrific way to connect and be part of something really significant but in a way that you can always manage your participation according to what and how volunteering works for your time and talents at any point in your life. This disease is lifelong and the impact is so significant for loved ones and family members that the need to be engaged and support will be there as long as this disease exists.
Share advice to guide students hoping to pursue a career with social impact or in nonprofit industries
Volunteering is a regular part of our family life and the cause that always brings our family and friends together is JDRF. The T1D community is filled with so many wonderful people that you wished you never had to meet because of T1D. Walking at Ocean Beach in San Francisco to raise awareness for T1D and sharing the need for research and the demands of the disease has been our passion since 2000.
True to LMU’s mission of “Educating the Whole Person,” many Lions (students, alumni, and families) are out in full force making contributions and giving back to their communities.
Nominate Someone: Help highlight Lion Acts of Service by giving a fellow Lion a shoutout. If you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know.