Describe your history with type 1 diabetes & your relationship with JDRF. (i.e. what is your connection, when were you diagnosed, how did you find out about JDRF and what made you want to get involved with the organization etc.)
“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) nearly twelve years ago when I was 11 years old. My father also had T1D, so I have been acutely aware of the highs and lows (literally!) of living with the disease as far back as I can remember. Since day one, I have been committed to using my time and resources for meeting others with T1D, learning the science behind diabetes, staying up-to-date on new technologies, and playing my part in eradicating this disease. My first touch point with JDRF was the Walk right after my diagnosis – many of my friends, family members, and older brother’s college buddies came out to support me at the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes in Chicago. There is nothing quite like your first JDRF Walk, surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic people who are equally committed to a cure for T1D. After my boyfriend of 5 years was accepted to Georgetown Law School, we decided to make the move from Iowa. I started interning in the JDRF Advocacy office in September of 2014, and was hired as a staff member on both the Legislative and Grassroots teams in January of this year. I am incredibly passionate about JDRF’s mission and work hard in honor of my late father, who lived with T1D for 42 years.”

Tell us about your volunteer and fundraising efforts.
“My first Walk team was called “Christina’s Team” – very creative, huh! The walk was always in October, so we made blue and white sweatshirts with the team name on the back. I still have my little sweatshirt as a way to remember that first whirlwind of a year after my diagnosis. After I went off to college at the University of Iowa, I volunteered at my hometown Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center – the same one at which I was diagnosed. I also spent a week each summer as a camp counselor at a diabetes camp in Illinois. I had attended the camp when I was younger, and wanted to spend my week making sure kids living with the disease had a great time meeting others with T1D and learning new tricks and tips. Now, I am proud to volunteer at the JDRF Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter on a variety of fronts – I volunteered at the Gala this past fall, as well as the Research Summit on March 7th. I am a Family Team Coach for the upcoming D.C. One Walk in May and will be at the JDRF Advocacy table (come visit me, if you’d like!) because I am passionate about talking about JDRF’s legislative priorities and encouraging others to become advocates for our mission. I will also be participating in the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Burlington, VT in July! It is always wonderful to get to know others who like to talk about living with T1D and share a similar enthusiasm for one day seeing a world without this disease.”

How long have you been volunteering with JDRF?
“Most of my volunteering through JDRF has been recent – it started when I moved to Washington, D.C. 8 months ago, and I’ve been excited about it ever since!”

What would you say to someone who does not have a direct type-1 connection in order to encourage them to volunteer with the Chapter? What would you say to someone that does have a connection to get them involved in the Chapter?
“For someone who does not have a direct T1D connection – I invite you to visit the Chapter office and get to know them! They love to talk about JDRF’s mission and why they care so much. I invite you also to come to the JDRF Walk events – I think you’ll be inspired by the tight-knit T1D community. For someone that does have a T1D connection, volunteering with the Chapter is a great way to get to know others, swap stories and tips, share your successes and frustrations with the disease, and use your time and talents towards a great cause.”

What has been your most memorable volunteer experience with the Chapter? Why?
“My most memorable experience with the Chapter is the Gala. That was my first volunteer experience at JDRF here in Washington, D.C. and I’m so glad I was able to help. I strengthened my connection with the Chapter, met a handful of T1D families, chatted with the Youth Ambassadors about living with T1D through the teenage years, and realized just how strong the T1D community really is.”

“I am so glad I can call the JDRF Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter my home Chapter. The staff is hard-working and dedicated to doing what they can to turn Type One into Type None. If you have the opportunity to volunteer your time to JDRF through the Chapter, I can guarantee you won’t regret it!”