Why I Volunteer | A Volunteer’s Impact
The passionate volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, expertise and resources toward achieving our shared vision of a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D) are the force behind JDRF. Volunteers fill a myriad of roles locally, regionally and nationally, from delivering Bags of Hope to newly diagnosed children and their families to organizing fundraising events to serving on committees for chapter events.
During National Volunteer Week, every day, we are proud to feature a few of the many volunteers who go above and beyond in their efforts to make life better for every person touched by T1D.
College Diabetes Network
Rowan University Chapter
The College Diabetes Network at Rowan University volunteering at the 2018 “Unmask the Cure” Gala
From L to R: Jess, Amanda, Sarah, Daphne, and Abbey
Tell us a little about yourself and your personal connection to JDRF.
The College Diabetes Network at Rowan University is a student lead chapter that brings together Type One Diabetics on Rowan University’s campus. Our chapter was created at the beginning of the Fall 2016 semester. We are a small group of about 10 members, but we are more than members that gather to talk about college and diabetes, we are family! The College Diabetes Network has given us all a place to feel like we belong on the college campus. College can be overwhelming and stressful at time, but our CDN group has given us an escape and place to talk about diabetes in college. We are all thankful for the place CDN has given us on Rowan’s Campus. All of our members have different experiences with JDRF. Some of us have participated in the walk for years and others are just starting their volunteer journey!
Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with JDRF.
One of our favorite moments volunteering for JDRF was the recent Gala. A few girls from our CDN group were able to volunteer for the night! We are all Type One Diabetics and we were overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in attendance. We love being able to give back and make the evening special for people who are willing to donate to find a cure! The whole night was amazing!
When you’re not volunteering with JDRF, what do you like to do?
When our College Diabetes Network is not volunteering with JDRF we are college students who take classes, are involved in clubs around campus, all while managing our diabetes! Our CDN chapter meets bi-weekly. All members look forward to meeting up and talking about our weeks and just random things about diabetes. We are all busy college students, but we all are willing to make time in our busy schedules to meet each other every other week. We all look forward to getting together and chatting away! We are like family, so when we aren’t volunteering we are supporting each other and enjoying college!
What advice would you like to share with the world about volunteering with JDRF.
Everyone should volunteer with JDRF, those with Type One Diabetes and event those without! Type One Diabetics are the sweetest people you will meet! JDRF always does an amazing job of putting on events and giving back to Type One Diabetics. As a parent with a young child with T1D, CDN believes it is important to get your children involved with JDRF at a young age so they can give back, but also so they can meet people who are just like them! Living long healthy lives with Type One diabetes! It makes young children feel like they belong. This can be said for anyone diagnosed at any age! Volunteering with JDRF allows you to make connections and relationships that will last a long time.
Ross Laufgraben
Ross (left), with his daughter, Morgan
Tell us a little about yourself and your personal connection to JDRF.
I have lived in Cherry Hill, NJ practically my whole life. I am happily married to the most amazing woman (Jodi) and we have two children (Morgan and Hayden) and two dogs (Lou and Rosie). My daughter, Morgan, was diagnosed with T1D about six years ago at age 8. I was in the process of selling my business so I was able to stay at home and taking care of my daughter became my full time job. There is so much to learn when taking care of a newly diagnosed T1D. My wife and I knew that we had to get involved, through volunteering and fundraising, to help our daughter and all those with T1D. The first event we participated in was the JDRF One Walk. I think our first year we raised over $12,000 with the support of our friends, family and Morgan’s camp, school and soccer friends. What I will always remember most from that day though, is seeing that immense sea of walkers, meeting other Type One families, and thinking, for the first time since her diagnosis, that everything was going to be okay. Morgan was going to be okay. With all the caring individuals walking for my daughter and all the other Type Ones, I know we will eventually turn Type One into Type None. It is not just a slogan, it is our dream.
Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with JDRF.
My favorite moment so far as a volunteer was definitely delivering my first Bag of Hope. I was able to take Morgan with me to meet the family as well. I think it always helps for newly diagnosed families to see another T1D thriving and living life just like any other child. I also think being able to share our story with a newly diagnosed family and letting them know that everything was going to be okay is so important. They were able to see that their child, like my Morgan, was going to be able to do everything in life they would want. Type One would not hold them back from their dreams.
Why would you encourage others to get involved by volunteering?
JDRF is a wonderful organization that is making a real difference in the lives of everyone affected by Type One. So many new treatments and technologies are the direct result of the work and the money raised by JDRF. When Morgan was diagnosed, I felt helpless. I knew I couldn’t take away the disease directly but I could get engaged with the organization that had the best chance of helping my daughter and other Type One’s. That is JDRF. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother, sister or a friend of a T1D, I would strongly encourage you to volunteer with JDRF and make a difference.
Is there anything JDRF can do to make your experience as a volunteer better?
Honestly, no. The staff at JDRF South Jersey and those I have met from the national office are the friendliest and most dedicated individuals I could have ever hoped to work with. As a volunteer, they are always there to guide us and give us encouragement. As a parent, of a Type One, they are our hope for a better future…a world where we turn Type One into Type None!
Ellen Brenner
Ellen (left) pictured with JDRF South Jersey Chapter’s Outreach Manager, JoAnn Rose
How long have you been involved with JDRF?
I got involved with JDRF early in 2017. We had recently moved to the area and I wanted to spend time volunteering with an organization near and dear to my heart as my sister has T1D. I’ve been able to do that with JDRF and, as an added bonus, have met wonderful people too.
Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with JDRF.
One of my favorite moments was when I had the pleasure of volunteering with Sue Walsingham at the Tavistock golf tournament. It was one of the hottest days of the summer, but we still had fun greeting guests and passing out waters on the 8th hole. Sue is so fun to be around and knows everyone, so it was great getting to meet new people and getting to know her better.
How would you encourage others to volunteer with JDRF?
I would encourage everyone to volunteer where their strengths lie. If you enjoy cycling, definitely try a Ride to Cure Diabetes. If walking is for you, rally a team for One Walk. Even encouraging your school to participate in Walk for Kids is a good way to contribute. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment, especially if you’re short on time. Even a small donation to a team is a great way to make a difference. Every little bit counts and gets us closer to a cure.
When you’re not volunteering with JDRF, what do you like to do?
When I’m not volunteering I enjoying spending time with my family. I have 3 active boys and love to watch them play sports. I also enjoy cooking and reading.
Shara Bialo
Dr. Shara Bialo, pictured at JDRF One Walk Gloucester Township
Do you have a personal connection to JDRF?
Yes, it’s a big part of my life! I have had type 1 diabetes for almost 25 years and also treat patients with T1D as a pediatric endocrinologist.
What is your favorite part of volunteering with JDRF?
The camaraderie with the other volunteers! I love meeting people who share my passion for living positively with T1D.
What advice would you like to share with the world about volunteering with JDRF?
Diabetes can often make us feel powerless, but raising money to find the cure, advocating for improvements, and fostering connections in the diabetes community can help you take that power back.
What inspires you?
The JDRF research updates! The future of how we treat diabetes is so bright thanks to JDRF, and it keeps me motivated to help raise the money needed to reach those finish lines.
Gisele Misieczko
Gisele, pictured at JDRF One Walk in Wildwood.
Do you have a personal connection to JDRF?
My 21-year-old son, Michael, was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 5. He is now a junior in college. My two children are my heart, and I was Michael’s pancreas until he could take over the job!
What is your favorite part of volunteering with JDRF?
I love the fact that I can make a difference. Whether it is working for JDRF Advocacy, or planning a walk, or raising money, everything I do helps to fund research and also helps to educate people about Type 1 diabetes.
What advice would you like to share with the world about volunteering with JDRF?
When you have a loved one with Type 1, you can feel helpless as you cannot “fix” it for them. One of the best ways to feel like you have power is through volunteering. You benefit, you loved one benefits, and the entire T1D community benefits.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by seeing people work together to make the world a better place, no matter what the cause.
JDRF was founded by and continues to be led by dedicated volunteers like Gisele. We are incredibly grateful for all that our volunteers have done and continue to do to turn Type One into Type None; their passion is instrumental to the progress of our mission and we’re honored to celebrate them during National Volunteer Week and every day.