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November’s Charity of the Month: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International of Greater Delaware

 

Each year more than 13,000 children and youth are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes—a chronic immune disorder that prevents the body from producing insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar and starches into the energy needed for a healthy life.

The MDRT Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) of Greater Delaware Valley in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.  This Quality of Life Grant was awarded in honor of Brian P. Walsh, CLU, ChFC, a 12-year MDRT member and Gold Knight from Wayne, Pennsylvania.  Walsh has volunteered for this chapter of JDRF for the last 10 years, serving on the Board of Directors and leading many successful fundraising efforts.

Children walk during JDRF’s “Walk to Cure Diabetes”—an annual event that raised funds for diabetes research.

This grant was used to help fund the Family Education Conference—an annual weekend symposium where families of children with Type 1 diabetes listen to speakers discuss issues and complications associated with this disease.  Speakers at this event include: physicians, diabetes educators, nutritionists, insulin companies, pump manufacturers, school nurses, and psychologists.

Currently there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, and those diagnosed must adhere to a strict chronic illness management regimen which includes insulin injections and blood sugar management. Type 1 diabetes education is extremely important because it is often misdiagnosed for more common illnesses such as the flu.  Misdiagnosis and mismanagement of this disease can lead to serious complications such as: heart disease, blindness and nerve and kidney damage.

JRDF’s mission is to support and fund research with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.  Since its founding in 1970, JRDF has provided more than $1 billion to Type 1 diabetes research worldwide.

 

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Knowing the warning signs for Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) could save a child's life.  Warning signs of Type 1 diabetes (these may occur suddenly):
  • Extreme Thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Sugar in urine
  • Fruit, sweet or wine-like odor on breath
  • Increased appetite
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Drowsiness, lethargy
  • Stupor, unconsciousness

 

Read about the Foundation's grant programs.