Last month we celebrated National Volunteer Week (April 18 – 22).  We celebrated you and your tremendous contributions that demonstrate what it means to be All for (Type) One.  These past two years have been challenging, but we’ve seen your commitment shine through, moving us closer to a world without T1D.  Your involvement with our galas, walks, ride, advocacy and outreach programs shows this dedication.  Your unwavering commitment and passion have fueled all of the progress we’ve seen this past year, and we are so grateful for YOU and your partnership.  Thank you for all that you do for JDRF and the T1D community.

This is also a time when we recognize our Community Volunteer Award recipients for the Mid-Atlantic chapter.  The Community Volunteer Award recognizes chapter volunteers whose contributions of time and talent have significantly impacted their local community and advanced JDRF’s mission.  Our recipients have made noteworthy contributions to chapter programs and/or operations during the past fiscal year.

Please join us in congratulating your fellow volunteers and this year’s Community Volunteer Award recipients listed below:

Mimi Taylor has been engaged with JDRF for 18 years.  She has made contributions in advocacy and through the Ride and Gala programs.  In her current role as a member of the Grassroots Leadership Team (GLT), she organizes and coordinates meetings for all the chapter’s advocacy meetings. She builds a team of volunteers and helps guide them through the process to ensure successful meetings with Members of Congress.  Her passion and devotion towards all things JDRF have deeply impacted our community, helping advance critical advocacy initiatives.  She helps to secure legislative support for continued federal government funding of T1D research in addition to influencing regulatory and health policies that benefit the JDRF community.  Mimi says ““I volunteer at JDRF because I want to make a difference in the lives of those living with T1D. My son Justin was diagnosed with T1D in 2004, at the age of 16. I turned to JDRF and began volunteering at my local chapter and was drawn to Advocacy. It gave me the opportunity to engage with lawmakers to help ensure federal funding for T1D research continues, and also to communicate important issues regarding T1D, all which help improve the quality of life of those with T1D and give hope for a cure.”

Tim Burkett has been engaged with JDRF for more than 8 years.  He has made contributions as a Maryland Community Board member, Volunteer Task Force member, Walk, Gala and TypeOneNation Summits.  In Tim’s current role as a Maryland’s Community Board member he has educated the Board on the progress of JDRF’s research portfolio.  He has a strong knowledge of JDRF’s mission and can clearly articulate the impact funding research is making toward improving lives and curing T1D.  Notably, the chapter depends on him to fill important roles such as a Summit moderator.  In this role he leads by example within our community, explaining how JDRF’s work has positively impacted his life, as well as his daughter’s, with incredible technology advancements. Tim says “I volunteer with JDRF to make a difference in the lives of those with T1D and their supportive families.  I share my experience from multiple perspectives: that of a T1D and a T1D parent.  Through advocacy, fundraisers, and outreach activities, I witness the positive impact of JDRF in our community through raising funds and spirits while accelerating research and innovation.  In our house we celebrate diaversaries, declare One Walk an official holiday, and recognize Research Summits as the inspiration for our daughter’s pursuit of a career in science.  Until the cure is found, we must support and encourage all T1Ds to live their best life.  I encourage all of you to join our journey of purpose, leverage your skills and passions, and volunteer with JDRF!”

Shannon Davis has been engaged with JDRF for more than 10 years.  She has made contributions in advocacy and as a member of the Community Board.  In her current role as Advocacy Team Chair (ATC) and a Virginia Community Board member she educates Board members and volunteers about JDRF’s advocacy work.  She works endlessly to raise awareness with Virginia state legislators to push for better research and visibility for the T1D community.  Her passion for insulin affordability has afforded her the opportunity to speak on behalf of the VA community at events with Representative Spanberger and President Biden.  Shannon says “I volunteer with JDRF because I truly believe in our mission.  JDRF is fighting right beside the T1D community trying to improve the lives of those living with T1D, until there is a cure, and prevent others from ever being diagnosed.  I volunteer so that one day my husband and son can say they used to have T1D, and so my other son is never diagnosed.  I can’t do much alone, however when we collectively all do what we can, we are making a huge impact.”