Category Archives: JDRF

Information regarding the JDRF, the largest fund of research for Type 1 Diabetes since 1970.

2012 – Thank You!

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I just wanted to take the time to say Thank You to all of the Chadwick Family, Mike’s Miles, JDRF Ride to Cure and South Jersey JDRF supporters.  2012 was a successful year and it was all due to your willingness to give.

What you saw in 2012 is an example of what kind of research the JDRF is supporting in the Artificial Pancreas, TrialNet and TRIGR.

These are studies my family is closely tied to because 1.) I would love to be able to control my blood sugars to the range of 6.5 – 7 without any effort (The range seen in the studies I participated in, for adults in the study).  2.) My children are at an increased risk of developing T1D, and I would do just about anything for them not to have to endure what I have.

However, your support is even more special to my family because we, and the JDRF are fighting for a cure for T1D.  They have been focusing on Immune and Beta Cell Therapies.  And until they find a cure, they are helping me and my kids (if they are diagnosed) stay healthy until there is a cure.

What's on the Horizon?

 

Everyone with T1D is scared of what is over the next hill, whether its a steep hill or a South Jersey hill.  The JDRF is helping those of us living with T1D get rid of the fear of what’s over the hill.  However, non of it would be possible without your help.  So, THANK YOU!

And stay tuned, more exciting events are coming in 2013!  I can’t wait to share them with you.

Training for Life – Running, Riding and the JDRF Ride to Cure

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“Everything flows, nothing stands still” – from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus.

No truer words can be spoken or experienced by those with T1D.  I have lived this over the past few weeks.  As life changes, so do sleep patterns, food consumption, exercise levels and basal rates.  Yes, basal rates.

Basal Rate = The base rate of insulin taken by a T1D who uses an insulin pump to manage their diabetes.  The less active I am , the more insulin I need, and conversely, the more active I am, the less insulin I need.  Insulin becomes more efficient as my body does.

I have also learned that those with T1D for a long time, and those who took pork or bovine insulin may be at an increased risk for insulin desensitivity.

So, why do I run?  Why do I ride?  Why do I participate in the JDRF Ride to Cure program?  Lord knows, I am a retired hammer and discus thrower, there is no reason I should be participating in endurance athletics.  My college teammates still laugh when the hear I am running marathons and wearing spandex in cycling events.  Can;t say I blame them.

However….

I run/ride to stay healthy, to reduce my already increased cardio vascular risk factors.  I run/ride to make my body more efficient, because I took pork insulin for years, and I have seen some decreased sensitivity to insulin when I am not consistently exercising.  I run/ride, because it helps me stay focused on healthy outcomes, and hopefully, it will keep me healthier, for longer and later into my T1D life.

I participate in the JDRF RIde to Cure program because of all of the above, in addition to many others.  It feels good.  It feels good to give back, and fight for something you believe in.  It feels good to accomplish physical challenges that my early doctors said I would not.  It feels good to participate and share a weekend with others who fight this fight with me.  It feels good to see the T1D supporters, i.e. moms, dads, and siblings, fight and gain some control over their T1D infused life.

As I rode in Tucson in 2011, and then in Vermont this past summer, I experienced this and witnessed many others experience the JDRF Ride program as a life changing event.  Ride for you, your spouse, your son or daughter, grandchild, friend….Ride because you would truly be changing someone’s life and making a positive impact.

If you want to get a good feel for what its about, go to JDRF Ride to Cure on Facebook and like the page.  The Death Valley event is this weekend and it will be busy.

https://www.facebook.com/JDRFRidetoCureDiabetes?ref=ts&fref=ts