Annual award recognizes outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer leadership
Bayview, Australia and New York, Feb. 6, 2024—JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Paul Heath as the 2023 Jim Tyree Award recipient in recognition of his visionary leadership and groundbreaking contributions to the global T1D community.
Named after Jim Tyree, former chair of the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors, the Jim Tyree Award recognizes a volunteer leader who has made a significant and noteworthy contribution to Breakthrough T1D during their tenure of service.
Paul began his involvement with Breakthrough T1D in Australia in 2012 after his daughter was diagnosed with T1D. He has worn many hats within the organization, both in Breakthrough T1D Australia and Breakthrough T1D International. Paul currently serves on the National Advocacy and Impact Committee and Directors Emeritus and is a former member of both Breakthrough T1D International and Breakthrough T1D Australia Boards of Directors. He served as chair and vice chair of the Breakthrough T1D Australia Board of Directors.
Paul’s service over the years has been wide-ranging and invaluable to Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community. He provided guidance in setting global strategy and performed groundbreaking work on the T1D Index. Launched in 2022, the T1D Index broadly measures how many people live with the condition, the healthy years of life it takes from people living with T1D, and what can be done to reduce its impact, in every country around the world. As a champion of this work, Paul has counseled staff, obtained political support, and ensured that Breakthrough T1D drives success with measurable outcomes. He was also key to overseeing Breakthrough T1D International’s response to COVID-19. Paul’s unending commitment to a shared mission has been of great benefit to Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community.
“Paul’s strategic vision and counsel have been integral in advancing efforts to change the course of type 1 diabetes for all who live with it. His role on the International Board of Directors and his partnership in the development of the T1D Index demonstrates this, and his contributions will undoubtedly continue to drive progress,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “It is with great pride that we honor Paul with this award for his exceptional leadership and global impact in support of Breakthrough T1D’s mission.”
Breakthrough T1D recognizes and appreciates all the dedicated volunteers and supporters who commit their lives to the worldwide effort to end T1D. Volunteer award recipients were recognized at the annual Breakthrough T1D One Conference in Houston, Texas.
About Breakthrough T1D
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short or long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
