Dream Gala Raises Millions for a Cure
Nearly 900 people gathered at the Seattle Sheraton on March 8 to support the JDRF Seattle Guild's search for a cure at the annual Dream Gala. By the end of the evening, patrons had pledged more than $4.9 million for JDRF-funded research! The Dream Gala, which has raised nearly $40 million in the past 19 years, is one of the largest and most successful JDRF fundraisers in the world.
During the festivities, the 2008 Living & Giving Award was presented to the new MLS (Major League Soccer) Seattle franchise in honor of their significant support of JDRF’s efforts to cure type 1 diabetes. Owners Joe Roth and Adrian Hanauer accepted the award on behalf of the owners group that also includes Paul Allen and Drew Carey. Craig Ferguson—comedian, author, and host of CBS’ The Late Late Show—brought down the house with his hilarious stand-up routine that capped off an evening of wonderful food, divine décor, fabulous fellowship, and serious fundraising.
RESEARCH & FUNDING NEWS
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is focusing on specific research goals and areas of scientific investigation to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications by funding the world’s best research at centers around the globe.
Recent Scientific Developments
- CGM Approval is One Step Closer to Artificial Pancreas
- New Advances in Stem Cell Research
- Insulin Therapy & Heart Disease Risk?
- Progenitor Pancreas Cells Found in Mice
- Artificial Pancreas Project Update
Funding News
- With the support of millions of families affected by type 1 diabetes and legislators across the country, the U.S. Congress Renewed a One-Year, $150 Million Special Diabetes Research Funding Initiative for 2008.
- Seattle’s Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) at Virginia Mason received a $9.4 million grant from JDRF to study the causes, and discover remedies, for autoimmune diabetes.
- JDRF Funds New Autoimmunity Center at University of Colorado in Denver
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
- Northwest advocates now are gearing up to generate political support for a three-year, $200-million-per-year Special Diabetes Program renewal, after a one-year extension was passed by Congress last December.
- Learn about JDRF Northwest’s Government Relations efforts – and how you can get involved!
LOCAL HEROES
We salute these heroes in the fight against type 1 diabetes.
- Cari Witruk: Meet a Covington teen who gets her diagnosis—and runs with it.
- Chloe Bacik and Leighton Ebert: A “regular everyday kid” and her big brother unite to Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes!
Do you know a person or organization helping to find the cure? Nominate a local hero!
JOIN US!
Attend these upcoming events:
- March 28: JDRF Night with the SuperSonics
- May 18: Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes.
- May 31: South Sound Walk to Cure Diabetes
- August, September, October: JDRF Northwest Ride to Cure Diabetes Events
Volunteer! There are many ways to help at events, in the office, as an advocate, or on a committee.
THUMBS UP!
Our thanks to:
- Ed Thomas, partner at Deloitte, who is this year’s Corporate Chair for Beat the Bridge!
- Northwest families who participated in Promise to Remember Me meetings in support of federal diabetes funding and elected officials in Washington, Montana, and Alaska who voted to renew the Special Diabetes Program last year.
- Dedicated JDRF activists around the country, whose efforts helped the organization win the Grassroots Innovation Award from The Public Affairs Council in January.
- All those who support JDRF Northwest with donations and volunteer time to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes.
RESOURCES
- Get a free copy of JDRF’s new School Advisory Toolkit, which gives educators practical information about everyday medical needs, legal issues, school responsibilities, training, and many other resources to best manage a child’s type 1 diabetes in school.
- The Online School Assistance Team provides information and support via e-mail about diabetes and school-related issues.
- Make new friends through JDRF’s Pen Pal Program for kids!
- Find a support group meeting in Washington State.
- Have you considered participating in a clinical trial? Learn about local research study opportunities.
