What we do: JDRF, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is the leading global organization focused on Type 1 diabetes research. Our research mission is to discover, develop and deliver advances that cure, better treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is the name given to disorders in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels.
History: For more than 40 years, JDRF has been a leader in the search for an end to Type 1 diabetes, through both research funding and advocacy. During that time, we always have talked about a cure as a singular destination, a return to normal physiology. But today we realize that we are engaged in a process of curing Type 1 diabetes. A cure is not just a destination but also a journey along a path. And we recognize that a part of our mission must be to help those living with Type 1 today to live healthier, easier, and safer lives until we arrive at the end of that path. In addition, we understand that the word “juvenile” is no longer descriptive of the disease or those burdened with it. JDRF market research tells us that today, 85 percent of those in the U.S. with Type 1 diabetes are adults. We must communicate that JDRF is an organization for all ages, and all stages of this disease.
Serves: The East Central Pennsylvania Branch includes Reading, the Lehigh Valley and the Wyoming Valley. We serve thousands of people each year. Our local annual walk usually attracts 700 people, including diabetics and their friends and family.
Budget: The branch raised more than $450,000 last year.
Staff: There are two staff members in the local branch.
Top administrator: Branch Director Michele Mullikin has been with us for more than five years.
We’re most proud of: Our walk and previous galas brought our volunteers and families together to show support for Type 1 diabetes. We not only raise money for research, but we want to raise awareness.
Upcoming events: Walk to Cure Diabetes, Oct. 21 at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, Spring Township. The check-in time is noon. The walk starts at 1 p.m. Register at walk.jdrf.org or contact Michele Mullikin at mmullikin@jdrf.org.
How to get involved: Join a Walk to Cure Diabetes, have your own event (sign up at teamjdrf.org) or have your school host a Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes (jdrfkidswalk.donordrive.org, or contact Kristine Evina at kevina@jdrf.org).
Website: www.jdrf.org.
At Your Service is a weekly feature spotlighting nonprofit social service agencies and volunteer opportunities in Berks County.
