On Friday, March 27, JDRF New Jersey Metro & Rockland County Chapter will recognize Kate Beckwith-Fickas, M.D. at Cheers to our Heroes, taking place at Navesink Country Club.

Cheers to our Heroes recognizes our type 1 diabetes (T1D) Heroes who inspire others to be brave, be strong, and fight to turn Type One into Type None. As this year’s honoree, Dr. Kate is being acknowledged for her commitment to the local T1D community.

Dr. Kate is a pediatric endocrinologist at Hackensack Meridian Health K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital/Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. Born and raised in NJ, Dr. Kate went to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the UMDNJ School of Public Health where she obtained her MD and Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degrees. She then completed a pediatric residency and pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

This year, she was nominated by patients, community leaders and JDRF outreach staff for her dedication, passion and commitment to her patients.

“It’s no surprise to me,” said JDRF Executive Director Jessica Backofen. “I’m delighted to extend the honor to Dr. Kate, as I’ve personally experienced her warmth, wit and the special way she cares for her patients.”

Dr. Kate’s support for her patients extends beyond the doctor’s office, though. “She is a phenomenal partner to JDRF, because she sees the value in creating a community for those affected by T1D,” Backofen continued.

“My goal is to teach my patients there is nothing they can’t do. I also want to make their life as best as it possibly can be until there is a cure. A partnership with JDRF helps me do that. It helps me provide better support for my patients, hook them up with other local families, see other kids at the Walk. You can’t replace that level of community,” said Dr. Kate.

The funds raised at Cheers to our Heroes – through sponsorship, guest tickets, silent auction, and generous Fund A Cure donations – support JDRF’s mission to ease the burdens of everyone living with this 24/7 disease.

More than 100 guests, including community, philanthropic and business leaders, are expected to attend and will enjoy appetizers and dinner from Navesink Country Club as well as beers, wines and cocktails from the Garden State and beyond at our tasting tables or open bar.

Individual tickets are $200 each and sponsorships begin at $1,000. For more information on event details, including sponsorship, donation, ticket options and auction, please visit us online  or contact Emily A. Miller at 732-219-6654 or eamiller@jdrf.org.