Advocating on behalf of those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is critical to JDRF’s mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. A powerhouse team in Washington, D.C., works with volunteers across the country to secure government support for innovative T1D research.
Pivotal in that work is a group of state leaders who organize and lead other volunteer advocates in supporting JDRF’s ambitious advocacy agenda that includes securing federal funding for the Special Diabetes Program; making insulin more affordable and accessible; and fighting for protections for pre-existing conditions and other health reform principles.
Lisa Haslam, of Salt Lake City, Utah, serves as a regional volunteer for JDRF, supporting advocacy volunteers in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. Her son, Jackson, was diagnosed with T1D when he was 7, not long after the family learned about JDRF through a One Walk flyer that was distributed in her husband’s office. The Haslam family raised money, walked with family and friends, witnessed passionate people connecting with an incredible organization’ focused on finding a cure for T1D – and were hooked.
Recognizing that advocacy provided an empowering platform, Lisa notes that “advocacy is the one area that everyone can be involved in and truly make a difference. As an advocate I can inform, educate and lobby for research dollars and the tools and technology that make life so much easier for Jackson and the millions of others with T1D.”
“In my 20 plus years in Advocacy, I’ve helped advocate for hundreds of millions in research money through the Special Diabetes Program, which has helped in developing the CGM, artificial pancreas systems and much more,” said Lisa. “Advocacy helps educate congress, the FDA and insurance companies … and helps to ensure everyone has access to the tools to help them live better. I have no doubt that Advocacy will be a part of process when we do find a cure and I want to be part of that process.”
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world.” – Margaret Mead
Are you interested in getting involved in JDRF’s Advocacy program? Learn more here or contact your staff partner Andrea at asantoyo@jdrf.org.