It was December of 1977.  My family and I were in Florida – our first time away over winter break.  Two days after arriving, we had to turn around and fly back home, as we learned that I had Type 1 diabetes.  I was told there was no cure, but that I could live with it, would have to give myself daily shots for the rest of my life, and might not be able to have my own children.  I spent a week in the hospital, learning how to care for my disease.  I had just turned 15 years old.  That began my lifelong journey of balancing glucose levels with exercise and food intake, to attempt approximating what most people’s pancreas performs on a minute-by-minute basis.

My family swiftly discovered and got involved in the recently-founded JDRF, now BreakthroughT1D, which funds Type 1 diabetes research.  The organization has had a hand in every major breakthrough in the management of this disease over the past 50 years.  These developments have substantially eased my diabetes burden. Through BreakthroughT1D, I have received invaluable education, community, and support.

I am serving as this year’s Fund a Cure family for the Breakthrough T1D Illinois Gala.  I invite you to join me in our mission to find a cure for this disease, so that the millions touched by Type 1 diabetes can have the best future possible. To purchase tickets or a table, and learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit Breakthrough T1D Illinois Gala. 

I would be honored to have your support as we continue our push toward a cure.

Thank you so much,

Julie