—Ardy Johnson Recognized for Her Astounding Commitment to Ending Type 1 Diabetes—

NEW YORK, June 16, 2017 – JDRF presented its annual Huntsman Family Community Engagement Award to Ardy Johnson for her contributions as a volunteer who has made a significant impact through her outreach to people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The award was given during a special ceremony at the 2017 JDRF One Conference held in Chicago, Ill.

“We are delighted to present Ardy Johnson with this honor. Ardy’s son, Jeff, was diagnosed at age 11, 36 years ago. Since that time, Ardy has made incredible efforts to help people, and in particular those suffering through one of the worst times of their life—in the days following a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in themselves or in someone they love,” said Mark Fischer-Colbrie, JDRF Chairman, International Board of Directors. “Her compassion has aided countless individuals, and her commitment to JDRF’s mission and research has benefitted the entire T1D community.”

Over three-and-a-half decades, Mrs. Johnson has taken on numerous volunteer roles, including answering questions as part of JDRF’s Online Diabetes Support Team, chairing the Fund A Cure event for the Greater Bay Area Chapter, serving on the International Board of Directors and serving on the JDRF International Board of Chancellors.

The Huntsman Family Award honors outstanding volunteers involved with outreach to people newly diagnosed with T1D and their families.

ABOUT T1D
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and — at present — nothing you can do to get rid of it.

ABOUT JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF.

Media Contacts:
Christopher Rucas
212-479-7667
crucas@jdrf.org

Kristy Evans
212.859.7877
Email: kevans@jdrf.org