Dear Friends,

Please join us at the 41st Annual JDRF Greater New England Gala–One Night on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. It promises to be a joyful night with friends, filled with inspiration, hope, purpose, and community.

Our son, John, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) just a few days before starting the first grade. Like so many of you, we were overwhelmed with fear for John’s wellbeing and anxious to learn how to help care for him. We had a crash course in needles, finger sticks, counting carbs, and sleepless nights. Most devastating was watching John lose the carefree innocence and spontaneity every kid takes for granted. Sleepovers, camping, sports, leaving the house on your bicycle–none of that can happen safely without advanced planning.

Ten years have passed since John’s diagnosis and there have been countless difficult moments along the way. That said, our entire family has learned and grown in unexpected and amazing ways. The constant adversity has taught us new and valuable skills. For example, the courage to ask for help. The grace to be empathetic and non-judgmental. The commitment to always do your best–for others and for yourself. To understand that community is fundamental to our strength.

John’s loss of innocence was replaced with courage, humility, compassion, and grit.

We went to our first JDRF presentation a few months after John’s diagnosis and JDRF quickly became our beacon of hope by sharing their meaningful work in research and advocacy. Equally important, the folks we met made us feel like family and gave us the courage and the mechanism to get involved. That night, we realized we could become part of the solution rather than just terrified bystanders.

Nine years of collaboration with JDRF have helped us make hundreds of connections. Stories of perseverance, hardship, and triumph have been shared. We created opportunities to bring out the best in one another. Together, we are stronger, brighter, and more resilient. As a team, we can make a meaningful difference in the treatment of this insidious disease and demonstrate the power of the supportive and generous community in which we live.

Thank you for your passion and commitment. We look forward to seeing you at the Gala. Together, we can accomplish so much!

– Liz Chang and Joe Wallace

BE THE MOMENTUM. BE THE PROGRESS. BE THE CURE.
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, make a 100% tax-deductible donation to Fund A Cure, or to learn more about this year’s Gala, please visit bit.ly/JDRFGalaGG2023 or call 781-431-0700.