I am truly honored and humbled to have been selected as a member of this years JDRF ONE Group.

I feel passionate about this cause, as I have a number of friends and family members affected by diabetes.

I’ve learned so much after joining the ONE Group, specifically about T1D (Type 1 Diabetes). For example, I didn’t even realize that the disease has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, which is one of the many common misconceptions of diabetes. Those who suffer from T1D must frequently test their blood sugar and inject insulin (or continually infuse it through a pump) every day. They must carefully balance insulin doses with eating and other daily activities and still run the risk of dangerous high or low blood sugar levels. Taking insulin does not cure T1D, nor does it prevent the possibility of the disease’s devastating effects: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications.

We need to work hard in raising both money and awareness for research to find a cure. 

T1D Impacts million of lives throughout the world. Below are some stats I came across that really resonated with me:

30,000 People are diagnosed with T1D every year in the US

23% Increase in the prevalence of T1D in people under age 20 from 2001 to 2009.

26 Million Is the total number of Americans with all types of diabetes

As an honoree, I have made a personal pledge to raise at least $5,000 for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. I would sincerely appreciate any contributions that you can make on my behalf to JDRF.  Monies raised will make a tremendous impact in the fight against T1D.