JDRF will honor the Dodge Family and Tower Electric at the 2020 JDRF Dream Gala on May 16 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. Joshiah and Kristin Dodge’s son Jack, 10, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in October of 2016. Because Jack was not yet ready to wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and because like many other parents the Dodge’s wanted to reduce Jack’s daily burden of T1D management and let him focus on being a kid, they spent many sleepless nights constantly monitoring his blood sugar. A CGM is a device that tracks a person’s blood sugar in real time. Thanks to advancements supported by JDRF, T1D technology is getting smarter all the time, helping parents like Kristin and Joshiah manage their son’s disease more easily and with better control.

Since Jack’s diagnosis, the Dodge family has accepted type 1 diabetes as part of their day to day activities. Jack’s older brother Joey, 12, and little sister Mia, 6, encourage Jack not to forget to bring his “diabetes” with him when they leave the house for football, dance, school or family trips. The Dodge family has rallied around Jack to ensure he knows he is never alone.

Jack is not the only family member living with T1D. Kristin’s father, Tower Electric co-founder, Rick Ellis, was recently diagnosed with with type 1 diabetes after being mis-diagnosed as living with type 2 diabetes for years.

The JDRF Dream Gala will also celebrate the legacy of the late Patty Stephenson. Inspired by her belief that JDRF funded researchers will find a cure for diabetes.  Patty’s $1.1 million bequest is an investment in the future of T1D research. Her message of hope is the cornerstone of the 2020 Dream Gala’s Fund A Cure program.

Last year’s Dream Gala raised nearly $900,000. More than 500 guests are expected to attend this year’s black tie event that includes a cocktail reception; silent and live auctions; a multi-course dinner; and JDRF’s signature Fund A Cure program. 100% of the contributions made during Fund A Cure go directly to research. Colorado-based JDRF funded researchers will be making special appearances throughout the evening, including the VIP Research Reception.

Beloved radio personality Murphy Huston, who has been on the air in Denver for over 50 years, will serve as emcee and master of ceremonies.

If you or your company are interested in being part of this incredible evening, sponsorships, tables and individual tickets are available. Join JDRF and celebrate decades of progress while raising critical funds for research for a future free of type 1 diabetes. Visit www.jdrf.org/rockymountain/events/2020dreamgala/ or contact Hannah Hoogenboom at 303-209-7718 or HHoogenboom@jdrf.org.