Jessica D. Weaver, Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, talks about worry, hope and living with T1D

As the leading global organization funding research on type 1 diabetes (T1D), JDRF supports hundreds of scientists who are working to change the future of T1D. For many of them, T1D is more than an intellectual pursuit—it’s a way of life. Meet Dr. Jessica Weaver: she is a cell therapy researcher, JDRF Postdoctoral Fellow and key member of the support team that helps her husband manage T1D every day. “Diabetes management is often a team effort,” she acknowledges.

“One thing I have noticed is the common thread in those who have loved ones with T1D; whether it is parents or partners or siblings or friends, we worry.” What helps to counteract that, she says, is hope. “One of my favorite aspects of my work is interacting with T1D patients and families, and their excitement learning about cutting-edge research.”

Dr. Weaver’s own work is a great example. She focuses on developing a cell-based therapy that could offer a long-term cure for everyone with T1D. “I hope to one day see my friends and family who live with T1D return to the life they knew before their diagnosis.”

We do too. And we are so grateful for Dr. Weaver’s dedication to reaching that goal.

Who helps you achieve your T1D goals? Go to JDRF.org/mygreatestsupporter to download the My Greatest Supporter photo filter, then share on social media with the hashtag #MyGreatestSupporter.