COVID-19 will change many things in the near future, but we can’t let it change our fight to cure type 1 diabetes (T1D).  Around the country we have taken steps to ensure the safety of our community by cancelling all spring in-person events to help slow the spread. This decision wasn’t made lightly, as it puts $50 million of life-changing research funds at risk.

But, as JDRF’s CEO & President Dr. Aaron Kowalski says, “Our events do not raise the money we need to fund research, our community does.”

That’s why we’ve re-imagined our upcoming spring and summer events, with the help of our powerful community.

• Join Aaron Kowalski for a virtual Team JDRF run on Sunday, April 26. Aaron set a brave goal of raising $50,000 to commemorate 50 years of JDRF. When you register to run with him you’ll join our virtual team of all ages committed to lacing up their sneakers for JDRF. Whether you choose to jog a 5K, walk a mile with your family, or run a half marathon, add your digital footprint to our event!
• Join Colleen Clark Chuo, RN, MA, CDE, on April 29 for our T1D Caregiver Course, a virtual workshop geared to offer confidence in managing a loved one’s diabetes while in their care. Topics include an overview of T1D (great for newly-diagnosed and their caregivers or relatives!), checking blood sugar, signs of high and low blood sugar, and more.
• Tune in to The Power of Us on Saturday, May 2 as we bring together our supporters for a virtual stream to recognize the inspirational strength and power of our community; share laugh, smiles and stories; and commemorate JDRF’s 50th anniversary. Our virtual event will feature the many faces and voices of our local T1D community as well as our exciting digital auction. 

We know how important for our community to stay connected to each other, so we’ve taken our meet-ups virtually.

Every other Monday evening, we invite the grade-school aged children living with T1D, and their siblings, to log on for some virtual Blue Crew fun with others. Webcams are encouraged to participate in the activities and games!

Every other Tuesday evening, JDRF Board Member Audrey Geiger brings our adults living with T1D together to chat, ask questions, share tips and connect with others who know what you manage on a day-to-day basis.

And, we’ve added a new meet-up: Parents Supporting Parents! Join T1D moms Lynel and Sapna to chat, relax and connect with other T1D parents.

Our Teens living with T1D can also connect virtually now! This meet-up is hosted by teens, for teens. Sorry, no parents allowed! (But pre-teens are welcome!)

To learn more visit our calendar of events or contact our Outreach Manager Shannon Dutton.                          

And, JDRF is committed to providing you with resources and information related to COVID-19.

• If you’re worried about COVID-19, don’t panic. We have the latest information and recommendations for people with T1D, from the experts.
• Every day, we receive a flurry of questions about the coronavirus and what it means for those of us living with T1D. Each week, we’re sharing the Top 10 Questions and responses from experts in the field.
• Each Friday evening, JDRF hosts a Facebook Live. Past sessions include Dr. Nicole Johnson on stress management; Dr. Aaron Kowalski on JDRF; and Dr. Mary Pat Gallagher.

We’re also committed to taking the necessary precautions to help slow the spread.

Our goal is to ensure JDRF operates efficiently, effectively and safely. Our staff are working virtually, and thanks to technology, COVID-19 has not put the brakes on JDRF’s support to the T1D community and fulfilling our mission.

Together, we are greater than this pandemic. Together, we will continue to fight for our families affected by T1D to ensure their safety and well-being. Even during a global pandemic, T1D does not take a day off, and neither can we.

If you have questions about our virtual events, want to get involved, or learn more please contact Emily Miller.