JDRF Greater CT/Western MA Chapter Elects Lou Gianquinto To Chapter Board of Directors

Farmington, CT — JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, announces the election of Lou Gianquinto to the Chapter Board of Directors.  Mr. Gianquinto began his two-year term on September 21^st.

“We are thrilled to have Lou join our chapter board,” said Jon Muskrat, Executive Director of JDRF’s Greater Connecticut & Western Mass Chapter.  “Lou’s leadership and passion for community service will help advance JDRF’s goal of improving the lives of families and individuals living with type 1 diabetes as we strive to unlock the science for a cure. Lou will add tremendous value to our organization.”  Lou, recently returned to his home state of Connecticut, where he has deep ties in the community.

“As the leader of the state’s largest health insurer, it is priority for me to join our communities to support people to improve their health,” said Lou Gianquinto, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut. “I learned about JDRF’s work through a personal connection that inspired me to become more involved, and now I am thrilled that I have the opportunity to make impact at scale across Connecticut by working with JDRF in this new role.”

Board members provide volunteer guidance to the chapter and the local T1D community, playing a vital role in executing fundraising, leadership, and advocacy activities to benefit local families and the 1.45 million Americans who live with this autoimmune disease.

About JDRF

JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 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 five 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), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to long-term complications which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart; and even death if left untreated. It is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and early puberty, but diagnosis in adulthood is on the rise, and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset is sudden and nothing can be done to prevent it yet—it is not related to diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.