Dear Houston Gulf Coast Volunteers,

Happy National Volunteer Week! Throughout NVW, April 19-25, JDRF will be honoring our outstanding volunteer partners.  The power of this community and the accomplishments that we have seen are all because of our strong relationships with volunteers like you. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who work tirelessly to advance our shared mission. From board, event committees and office volunteers, to advocacy leaders, outreach volunteers and youth ambassadors, we are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you who shares your time, energy and expertise with us. Thanks to you, we have made amazing breakthroughs. And together we have the power to see this through to the finish.

In that spirit, chapter staff each had something to share…

Rick Byrd, Executive Director: During these times of uncertainty and distress, we give thanks for the many blessings and caring friends we have in our lives.  Included in these are the countless volunteers that give tirelessly throughout the year to help us connect with our community, support our numerous events and drive toward our vision of a world without type one.  For all that you do, especially during these moments, we are truly grateful.

Deon Dillard, Associate Executive Director: I did not have a direct connection to T1D before I started working at JDRF.  The very first thing that stuck out to me was the passion, commitment, and perseverance of our volunteers.  I was in awe.  What I do day to day doesn’t seem like a job at all, I am inspired by our volunteers to do everything I possibly can to make life better for my friends and family in this community.  That’s what our volunteers are to me, a strong network of family and friends all working together towards the same goal.  It is an honor for me to work alongside our volunteers.

Amanda Nguyen, Outreach Manager: We really do have THE VERY BEST volunteers here at JDRF!

Tamara Luera, Sr. Development Coordinator: A memorable experience has been with the Walk Logistics crew. Being my first year on staff and jumping right into walk season, the logistics crew who has many years of experience doing this, made my first walk experience a great one. They were great to bounce ideas off of and jumped right in making plans up to walk and executing them day of. Couldn’t have done it without them! So thank you to Bill, Harris, Skip, Ernie, Bob, Wade, Christy, Kellie, Randy, Linda, Susan and Frank for helping to make this first walk season for me a memorable one!

Jennifer Sotuyo, Development Director: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn
We love our volunteers and there is no way we could ever accomplish our successes without them. Thank you for so many countless hours and smiles and helping hands!

Breana Badger, Development Coordinator: At JDRF we have THE BEST volunteers you could ask for. They will do anything and everything to help you whether it’s coming out to an event and staying for a long period of time to helping in the office to making posters for Marathon or Ride to sending kind and encouraging messages. They’re always here to support us and they’re a perfect example as to how we truly are “stronger together.” At the end of the day, you know there’s always going to be someone rooting for you to succeed. They’re not just volunteers, they’re a second family and I’m so grateful to have each and everyone of them.

Kim Nguyen, Sr. Development Coordinator: One week isn’t enough to express our gratitude for what you do every day. Thank you, volunteers, for making all the difference.

Again, thank you for all that you do and all that you make possible. Your relentless dedication and passion is fueling progress that will keep our loved ones healthy until we accomplish our shared mission of curing T1D. All of us at the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter are so very grateful for you and your many contributions.

Thank you for all you that you do for JDRF and the T1D community.

Sincerely,
Houston Team