In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Georgia Chapter wishes to highlight a family who is expanding awareness of T1D in their community. . .

In 2006, Kelli and Chris Bray got the news that would impact their family for the rest of their lives.  Their 11-year old daughter, Maggie, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Maggie is the granddaughter of Don Bray, a retired and former President/CEO of University Health, Inc. in Augusta, GA who has remained active in professional organizations and community service throughout Augusta and the CSRA.  To battle this “new normal” in their lives, Maggie and the entire Bray family formed “March for Maggie” and participated in their first Walk to Cure Diabetes in November of 2006.

In 2007, the Bray family experienced tragedy when Don’s son and Maggie’s uncle, Larry Bray, was in an automobile accident which took his life.  Anyone who knew Larry knew how special he was.  Kelli and Chris Bray remember him as “a gentle soul that would fiercely protect those he loved.”  In Don Bray’s words, “there is an empty spot in each of our lives since we tragically lost him.  He has made many memories to sustain us as we mourn and grieve his passing.”

Inspired by Maggie’s T1D diagnosis in 2006 and following the sudden loss of his son, Larry, in 2007, Don and the entire Bray family came together to build an annual memorial/charity event in Larry’s memory with the goal of raising awareness and money to fight type 1 diabetes.  Don Bray leaned on his longstanding connections and reputation in the Augusta community to create the Larry Bray Memorial Golf Tournament with proceeds benefiting JDRF and University Hospital’s Diabetes Services program.  The Augusta community has rallied around the Bray family.  This past summer, the Larry Bray Memorial Golf Tournament celebrated its 10^th anniversary and has raised $297,000.

Maggie has faced some challenging times with T1D, especially while a college student at Clemson.  But she believes her diagnosis has given her a platform to share her story and her success of living with a life-threatening disease.  Maggie is grateful for her supportive family that works hard to fundraise each year through the LDB Golf Tournament.  The amount of support received and money raised has given her hope for everyone facing the same struggles.  She encourages each person living with T1D to find joy in being able to raise awareness, stand together and fight for a cure.

To learn more about the Larry Bray Memorial Golf Tournament, visit www.ldbmemorial.com.  Teams for 2018 will be forming soon!

Would you like to learn more about creating your own special event to support or honor someone you love living with type 1?  Visit JDRF Your Way and organize your own athletic event, memorial, special occasion, milestone, or “diaversary” recognition event.