Fashion is making a difference in the lives of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The New York-based fashion brand Veronica Beard (VB) has partnered with Breakthrough T1D, a leading global nonprofit dedicated to T1D research and advocacy.
VB was cofounded by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard. Each quarter, through its philanthropic initiative VB Gives Back, VB partners with a cause that supports women, children, and families.
“We have witnessed first-hand, through friends and their children, the effects of the disease, and we are thrilled to be partnering with this amazing organization,” explained the Beards.
Connecting for a cause
Type 1 diabetes affects approximately nine million people across the globe. This lifelong condition can develop at any age when the immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. About 85 percent of people who develop T1D have no family history of the condition. Research estimates that people can lose an average of 32 years of life due to complications of the condition.
While technology and therapies to support diabetes management have come a long way in the past decade, the burden of type 1 diabetes is tremendous. Managing type 1 requires intense daily care to manage safe glucose levels—something the body is meant to maintain automatically.
“T1D management is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It never stops,” added Allison Aston, SVP of Strategic Partnerships & Charitable Giving at VB Gives Back. Her daughter lives with type 1 diabetes. “Even after a scary start with her diagnosis, my daughter is a poster child for what it is like to live with T1D.”
Aston and her family have also witnessed the many misconceptions and stigmas that come with a diabetes diagnosis.
“It is not her fault [she has type 1 diabetes],” said Aston. “There is nothing she can do—exercise or eat differently—that will change this diagnosis for her.”
This is where corporations can make a difference.
Raising awareness for the T1D community
Since 2015, Veronica Beard Gives Back has raised and donated more than $3.5 million to nonprofit organizations, including Penny’s Flight, Girl Scouts of America, Breast Cancer Alliance, Feeding America, and Operation Smile.
Their mission is simple: make a difference. However, VB Gives Back does far more than collect and donate funds. They get involved.
Between July and September, VB has committed to raising $250,000 for Breakthrough T1D through customer donations, in-store events, and $5 from every online order. They’re also clarifying the many mainstream misconceptions and stigmas surrounding type 1 diabetes through employee education sessions and by featuring members of the T1D community on their blog.
“We’ll be shining a spotlight on the strength and resilience of women who are at the heart of the T1D community—those living with the condition, caregivers, and the dedicated researchers and advocates working towards a cure,” explained VB’s founders.
The blog spotlights empowering stories, including the DeYoung Family, whose daughter was diagnosed at 13 years old, Vivian Scott Chew’s daughter’s diagnosis at six years old, and Olympic gymnast Charlotte Drury, who was diagnosed amid her athletic career.
Veronica Beard’s commitment to raising awareness and support for families affected by type 1 diabetes demonstrates the potential impact of relationships formed between mission-driven nonprofits and corporations.
“Breakthrough T1D is grateful to Veronica Beard for their partnership in raising awareness and funds to help advance critical breakthroughs for the type 1 diabetes community,” expressed Courtney Davidson, AVP, Corporate Development, Breakthrough T1D.
“The support of Veronica Beard, its employees, and customers is driving impactful change, bringing us closer to a cure and helping millions of people with T1D live healthier lives.”
Working together to advance our mission
Breakthrough T1D is the leading global organization driving the development of therapies to cure type 1 diabetes at any stage—from those who are newly diagnosed and still producing some insulin to those who’ve lived with the condition for decades. Partnerships play a crucial role in advancing Breakthrough T1D’s work and mission.
Today’s leading purpose-driven brands can leverage their customers and employees for the greater good. With the shared goal of empowering communities to act, together with our partners, we will continue raising awareness and driving life-changing therapies and cures research to improve health outcomes and make life better for everyone living with type 1 diabetes.
No one should face T1D alone. Join Veronica Beard and Breakthrough T1D in taking breakthrough action for the entire T1D community.
