Our immense gratitude for all that our JDRF family does to support the mission of JDRF is immeasurable. It is our great pleasure to introduce you to our 2015 One Promise: A Gala of Generations Gala Chair, Melanie Bacine and Gala Auction Chair, Kat Springer. We are so thankful for their leadership as we prepare for the gala.

Melanie Bacine, 2015 One Promise Gala Chair
“I was diagnosed 17 years ago with T1D. It was quite a shock. My biggest fear in life had been needles! I do the best I can to take care of myself every way possible and take it day by day. Diabetes does not stop me from doing anything I want to do!
My husband, Michael first introduced me to the JDRF through JDRF Walk. I was hooked after my first Walk and we became very involved for a few years with that event. Then Mike saw an ad for JDRF Ride to Cure. We have now completed 7 rides and are registered for 2 more this year! It is a challenge and takes a lot of time with training and managing my blood sugar, but I can’t imagine not riding. The weekend event is so special at each ride we complete. I meet more and more people through the JDRF that are adults with T1D and are now a great support system for me.
Michael and I attended our first Gala a few years ago. It is such a special event. To see hundreds of people dressed up, bidding on auction items, and donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to Fund A Cure touches me every year.
I was diagnosed with T1D in my mid-twenties so I have always dealt with this disease from an adult’s perspective. I have realized that no matter how old you are or if you have T1D or are living with someone else who has T1D, we all experience the highs and lows of life living with diabetes both physically and emotionally.
I appreciate and thank you all for your years of support of JDRF who funds the research that has improved my care through the years and who has brought me hope that there will be a cure in my lifetime. There are great things coming!”
-Melanie Bacine

Kat Springer, 2015 One Promise Gala Auction Chair
“I am a mom, a wife, a friend, a bike rider, a knitter and I believe in giving back to the community for all that we are lucky enough to have. Diabetes impacts my children, my family and my friends. JDRF allows me to give back to the community and help the people I care about.
JDRF became a part of our life 6 years ago when my nephew was diagnosed with T1D and upon request of my sister-in-law we became a part of JDRF sponsored trial. My son and daughter had a blood test to see if they had the markers for diabetes. My daughter, Evelyn had the all the markers and started taking oral insulin (or a placebo) in December of 2009. Her fasting blood sugars were considered pre-diabetic and since she has been on the drug they have been normal. My husband and I wanted to support her in some way and help raise money so that her trial would continue and a cure found. We did our first JDRF 100 mile bike ride in 2010, it continues being a yearly event in our lives, one that our son participated in when he was old enough and this year our daughter will ride with us. In the past six years my niece, Kaila was diagnosed with T1D and my father-in-law celebrated his 50th anniversary with T1D. When I was asked to chair the auction it was a continuation of the goal my husband and I have which is to raise money every year for JDRF so that a cure can be found.”
Thanks
-Kat