In today’s Wall Street Journal, you’ll find an Op-Ed entitled “The Folly of Defunding Diabetes Research,” authored by JDRF International Chairman and owner of the NFL’s New York Jets, Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson, IV. If you missed this personal and powerful piece about T1D and renewing the SDP (Special Diabetes Program), you can read it by clicking here. As a well-known public figure, we’re lucky that Mr. Johnson shared his personal story to help educate others about T1D, the research resulting from the Special Diabetes Program, and why we must renew it.

Here’s a highlight from the piece:

“For the past 16 years, the Special Diabetes Program has been the
foundation of the federal government’s effort to combat diabetes. As a
businessman, I know when I see a program that works, and the $150
million in annual funding provided by SDP has led to significant
discoveries into what causes Type 1 diabetes and how to better treat the
disease. Researchers can now imagine what has seemed impossible — a
cure.”

You too, can help educate others about T1D and the Special Diabetes Program. As an Advocate for JDRF, we’ll notify you of important diabetes related issues (like renewing the SDP!) and let you know how you can help. The more Advocates we have speaking up about the importance of research and the Special Diabetes Program, the better!

As Mr. Johnson says, “We have the opportunity to spare untold millions of Americans the
trauma of this disease. Congress must make this long-term commitment to
combating — and potentially defeating — diabetes. Even
at a time of national economic difficulty, the choice seems obvious.
The Special Diabetes Program works. Congress must ensure it continues.”

Join us as we work together to make sure Congress renews the Special Diabetes Program. We can’t do it without you! Please let us know in the comments section below why you’ll be joining us in this effort. 

Don’t Stop Now. Renew the SDP.