There’s not many like this father-daughter duo. When Carly was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of 10, her father Zach jumped into action. He joined the JDRF chapter board, signed up for JDRF Ride to Cure, created a walk team, and volunteered along with his family. Almost 20 years later, their ingenuity, commitment, and tenacity for JDRF continues to grow stronger. Carly has followed her father’s footsteps, becoming a leader within the Ride program and leaning in to any and all opportunities that we throw her way.

As we think about the 50^th year of JDRF, we recognize the progress and the people in our T1D community, like Zach and Carly, who make it all possible.

Carly, tell us about your journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Carly: I was diagnosed at 10 years old and have been living with T1D for the majority of my life – almost 20 years. Although T1D brings its daily challenges, I try not to let it stop me from living life to the fullest. Having an insulin pump and CGM has made my life so much easier. But I am still hoping that I will see a cure in my lifetime.

Zach, how did you first get connected to JDRF?

Zach: After Carly had been diagnosed with T1D, I was approached by then board member Neil Beckerman about joining the JDRF chapter board. Neil and I both sat on the board of a local Y at the time. I left the Y board shortly after as I found it to be run in a top-down manner with little opportunity for me to make an impact. JDRF on the other hand offered me an opportunity to make a difference.

Carly: We signed up for JDRF One Walk and soon after my dad began riding in JDRF Ride to Cure. Eventually, I joined him in a JDRF Ride and I became hooked! I have participated in eight JDRF rides and am now signed up for my 9th.

How has JDRF impacted your family’s life?

Carly: Through JDRF, I have met so many people who either have T1D or who have a connection to someone with T1D. I have been able to network and form lasting friendships with people who are committed to a common cause. JDRF has helped me become an advocate for an organization that I am passionate about. Through JDRF my family and I have gained a T1D support system.

Zach: Our family has become part of the JDRF family. My daughters, wife and I have volunteered at countless walks, galas, poker events and the ride over the 15+ years we’ve been involved. I’ve watched as Carly’s involvement in ride turned her into a workout freak – I’ve created a monster! I’m joking of course, but it really has helped to motivate her to be much more conscious of her fitness level in every manner possible.

What would you tell others not connected to JDRF yet?

Carly: They are missing out on being part of a supportive and dedicated community that feels like a family.

Zach: I would say there are other organizations doing excellent work as well with respect to T1D but I don’t think that there is any other organization that can harness the resources and form the partnerships with private industry on the same scope that JDRF has and will.

This year, JDRF will commemorate 50 years. What does that mean to you?

Carly: For 50 years JDRF has helped fund the research necessary for improving the lives of those living with T1D in addition to finding a cure.

Zach: I know that many people who were involved long before us feel let down by JDRF as they were promised a cure long ago. That promise turned out to be a mistake. The question is where do we go from here? How do we keep our loved ones healthy so that they can benefit from a cure if and when it comes along? If you’re not joining us to help, what are you doing to work toward a healthier life and a cure for your family member or friend? You have to ask yourself those questions. You have to lean in, do more, reach out and dig deep.

What does a cure mean to you?

Carly: A cure would mean freedom: A life free from finger pricks, injections, low and high blood sugars and their symptoms, interrupted sleep, the constant anxiety of going out of my blood glucose range, and the fear of future complications.

Zach: A cure would mean a world of opportunities for those with T1D and would most likely give us insight into helping others who suffer from a host of autoimmune disorders. I look forward to a cure that helps to put JDRF out of business!