JDRF, the leading global nonprofit organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, will honor Dr. Peter and Linda Chase at the 20th Anniversary JDRF Dream Gala on April 13 at the Hyatt Regency Colorado Convention Center. Dr. and Mrs. Chase will be recognized for their outstanding commitment, dedication and drive to achieve JDRF’s vision of a world without T1D.

Dr. Chase was appointed the first Director of the University of Colorado Pediatric Diabetes Clinic in 1976. While his primary research interest has been in the prevention of T1D, he paved the path to collaborative research on the development of a closed-loop artificial pancreas system. With the support of a JDRF Research grant this system was developed to automatically reduce the correct amount of insulin in response to declining blood glucose levels. He was also a primary investigator in the JDRF National Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study Group. Dr. Chase has worked to improve adolescent adherence to diabetes care, and has served as the principal investigator on many groundbreaking projects. Having published extensive research on diabetes outcomes in T1D patients, his work has resulted in over 300 peer-reviewed publications and 76 book chapters. Dr. Chase is the author of five educational books for families with type 1 diabetes that have reached over two million families over the past 38 years and are available in English, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.

Linda Chase is a nurse with a background in community health who tirelessly supports those living with T1D and those who love them by volunteering her time at the Barbara Davis Center. Dr. Chase’s book, A First Book for Understanding Type 1 Diabetes, has been a cornerstone of the JDRF Bag of Hope, a transformational resource for families newly diagnosed with T1D in the United States. Annually, more than 20,000 JDRF Bags of Hope are distributed across the country, providing patients with resources, support and community as they learn to live and thrive with the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Chase notes that JDRF was a “major force in providing research funds that allowed continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to become rapidly available for people with diabetes.” CGM’s and other technology advanced by JDRF have “paved the way for improved glucose control … for which families and care providers are greatly appreciative.”

More than 600 guests are expected to attend this year’s Dream Gala, a black tie event that includes a cocktail reception; silent and live auctions; a multi-course dinner; and JDRF’s signature Fund A Cure program during which contributions may be made directly to research. Last year’s gala event raised nearly $800,000.

Sponsorships, tables and individual tickets are available. For more information visit jdrf.org/rockymountain/events/2019-dream-gala/ or contact Hannah Hoogenboom at 303-209-7718 or HHoogenboom@jdrf.org.