Marinko Family

Fund A Cure Family

The Marinko Family’s involvement with Breakthrough T1D began in July 2020 when their daughter Helena, then 8 years old, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Now twelve, Helena loves to dance, go to the beach, cheerlead and perform on stage.

Breakthrough T1D showed the Marinko family that they aren’t alone in this journey. It has connected them to a supportive network, giving Helena the opportunity to share unique experiences with fellow T1D warriors, provide education, meaningful conversations, and hope for the future of those living with T1D.

While amazing steps are being made in treatment and management every day, the Marinko family is most interested in cure therapies. They want to see a world free from this disease, one that brings freedom to not only those living with T1D but their family, friends and community.

They extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this year’s Gala through their time, talent and treasures. Your support means the world to them.

Moore Family

Honorees

This year’s Living & Giving Honoree for the Jacksonville Gala is the Moore Family! The Moore’s commitment to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) centers around Josie. When Josie was diagnosed at 7 years old, all generations of the Moore family rallied around her and Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) to ensure type 1 becomes type none.

Jonny and Barbara Moore are grandparents to Josie. Jonny worked in electrical trade in Jacksonville for 49 years, even starting his own company that he sold last year. His wife, Barbara, taught in public and private schools for 26 years. As they support their granddaughter, their hope is in their lifetime they can see a reduction in the worries of those living with T1D and those caring for a T1D loved one – through technology or a cure.

Jason and Lisa are parents to Josie and her four siblings. Jason works for Moore Electric, while Lisa is the family homeschool teacher and a board member for their homeschool co-op. The day Josie was diagnosed was their most terrifying day. With a three-week-old son in tow, Lisa rushed Josie into the pediatrician’s office after a misdiagnosis of strep and worsening symptoms, even with antibiotics. The doctor quickly knew Josie’s symptoms were those of T1D. Josie was taken to Nemours via ambulance, while Jason rushed to meet them there. Lisa will “never forget the words ‘insulin dependent’ as they came from our new doctor’s mouth; that’s the moment everything changed.”

The Moores were immediately connected to Breakthrough T1D upon receiving a Bag of Hope. Rufus became Josie’s constant companion. Lisa also received a call the next day from another T1D mom who mentored and supported the family through their new normal. Within days of Josie’s diagnosis, they had a support system, T1D friends and education around clinical trials.

Josie was given a unique opportunity in 2015 to participate in a two-week trial for the Bionic Pancreas. This trial showed them firsthand the work that Breakthrough T1D puts forth to improve the quality of life of those living with T1D. While a cure is the ultimate goal, and what the Moore family are all waiting for, they are “thankful for the many technologies that have been developed through funding and support from Breakthrough T1D. Our hope is that one day there will be a cure, with prevention therapies in place, so no one will have to live with T1D again.”

Josie is now 17 years old and thriving because of the family and community support in place. However, they don’t want to underwrite what living ‘successfully’ with T1D looks like. The invisible daily effort and mental load that Josie and the Moore family carry is not light. As she reaches adulthood, there are new fears and worries that the family will continue to overcome. They find hope in new support through adulthood with the simultaneous transition of JDRF to Breakthrough T1D.

As they look forward to the upcoming “Into the Blue” Greater Jacksonville Gala, the Moore Family is excited to be a part of making a difference in so many lives through sharing their story.  “Not just life changing opportunities, but lifesaving opportunities. We should give as though someone’s life depends on it,” Barbara says. Caring for Josie and curing T1D is a multi-generational commitment that the Moore family is passionate and excited to celebrate on November 15^th.

Charlene Shirk

Mistress of Ceremonies

Charlene Shirk, is the Assistant Vice President of Public Relations at VyStar Credit Union, where she directs media communications and engages audiences as the host of VyCast, VyStar’s enlightening podcast that makes learning about finances fun.

Before her role at VyStar, Charlene led Charlene Shirk Public Relations, where she created innovative media strategies for progressive organizations across Northeast Florida.

Charlene also served as the PGA TOUR’s Director of Community Relations for THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra.

Before becoming a public relations leader, Charlene was a nationally award winning, Emmy nominated broadcast journalist. Most notably, she was the weekend anchor for First Coast News in Jacksonville, Florida, she connected with viewers on both NBC and ABC affiliates, bringing stories that mattered into their homes.

Beyond her professional achievements, Charlene plays an active role in her community as a board member of the Rotary Club Jacksonville-Oceanside. She is also proud to be recognized among Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 alumni, a member of Jacksonville Women’s Network and Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2015.

Charlene Shirk’s career is a testament to her passion for storytelling, her commitment to community engagement, and her unwavering dedication to excellence in every endeavor. She is currently featured in the Hulu documentary “At Witt’s End” recalling her involvement in a missing person case that is now being reexamined by cold case detectives in Arkansas.