Dear JDRF Greater Iowa Friend,

Here in the Des Moines office, we have been thinking of you and wanted to share this update…

On Monday, in response to the changing and growing concerns regarding COVID-19, JDRF President & CEO Aaron Kowalski announced the decision to cancel any in-person events through June 30th. The health and safety of our employees, partners, constituents and donors remains paramount and given so, we feel this is the best decision.

This announcement will have a direct impact on our May 9^th Greater Iowa One Walk. We recognize that this decision may leave you with questions. Please rest assured that our team is working to re-imagine this event in a way that will allow us to collectively continue to drive forward the JDRF mission.

Please stay tuned as we prepare to share more details and developments regarding our Greater Iowa One Walk as they are confirmed.  We are preparing to hold a virtual walk experience that will harness and showcase the best of us – our families, our community, and our vision.

In the meantime, we remain committed to being a resource for the T1D community and will focus on sharing ideas and information with you in hopes of lessening the stress, even if just a little bit.

Life with T1D presents challenges of its own and now our JDRF family is faced with changes to work schedules, child care, home schooling, and economic concerns as well. As we move forward in the face of these challenges, we want to do our best to help you along the way and have compiled some resources below. Please be sure to watch our Facebook page for additional resources as they become available @JDRFGreaterIowa.

• We have updated our website to include information to help people with T1D make informed decisions about their health and Coronavirus. The website will be updated regularly and can be found here: jdrf.org/coronavirus.
• While you are home it is important to get some exercise in. Consider going for a walk or run outside. Learn how to exercise safely with T1D by clicking here.
• Looking for something to do with the kids? Check out these printable games from T1 Everyday Magic by clicking here.
• If you are nervous about what your financial future will bring JDRF has outlined a variety of financial resources for T1D. They can be found by clicking here.
• Stress can have an effect on your body and blood sugars. Learn how to deal with stress and diabetes by clicking here.

Our JDRF Greater Iowa team will be working remotely for now but we are here for you so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.  Phone calls to the office are being forwarded (515-802-3220) and we are also responding to emails at greateriowa@jdrf.org or messages via Facebook and Instagram.

We thank you in advance for your patience, support and your continued dedication to JDRF’s mission.

Stay healthy, take care of one another, and we will see you soon!

Sincerely,

Carly, Jeanette, Carley, and Megan