On February 23, 2013, our worlds changed forever. Over 11 years ago, Alexander was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We learned about insulin, how to give injections, what to do with a high or low blood sugar, and how to become a pancreas for our child – a battle no parent should ever face. You’ve stood with us every step of the way and we are deeply appreciative of your support.

This year the gala celebrates 20 years. 20 years of relentlessly fighting for a cure while simultaneously funding critical advancements to technology and prevention. These strides are not only for Alexander, but every individual living with this relentless disease.

Since we got involved in this T1D battle, a lot has changed.  Your support has helped us move the needle as we search for a cure and, along the way, improve the quality of life for our children with this disease.  The historical progress is stunning—

• 50 years ago, an insulin pump was so large it had to be worn as a backpack. 10 years ago, Alexander had access to an insulin pump that easily fit into his pocket. Today, insulin pumps are smarter than they’ve ever been – hybrid closed loop technology allows an insulin pump to communicate with a continuous glucose monitor through algorithms. It delivers insulin when blood glucose levels are too high and decreases/pauses the flow of insulin if the levels are too low. The decisions that Alexander must make every day have drastically decreased because of this advancement.
• 35 years ago, the risk of vision loss from diabetic eye disease was 50 percent. Today, state-of-the-art care has cut the risk to 5 percent.
• 30 years ago, there was no way to predict if someone would develop T1D. Now, it’s possible to detect T1D before symptoms arise through biomarkers. In fact, since our last letter to you, the FDA has approved a drug that can delay the onset of T1D for approximately 2 years. That’s approximately 4,380 finger pricks, 5,110 insulin shots, and 416 hours of lost sleep back for someone at risk for T1D.

My son is in his final year in college.  I’ve monitored his progress from afar and have encouraged him to make the right decisions for his future.  While most parents worry about academic performance of their kids in college, my daily worry centers on his blood sugar numbers and the daily choices he makes to ensure his safety.

JDRF has changed its name to “Breakthrough T1D.”  But its mission is the same—finding a cure for T1D.  I have put my money—and hope—behind Breakthrough T1D’s research efforts. We are closer to a cure than ever before. Your financial help these last several years have gotten us this far.  I hope that, one day, I never have to write another request for your financial support.  And I truly hope you don’t mind me asking for your help with what has become my life mission.

Thank you for standing with us in this battle to end T1D!

Zander & Carmen Clem