A mother never stops worrying about her children, whether they are toddlers or grown adults. This is particularly true when your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Alongside the worry comes a sudden and urgent need to educate oneself about the disease. Kathy C. knows this all too well. Her now 20-year-old son was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 17. “He diagnosed himself by researching his symptoms on the internet,” she says. “Prior to his diagnosis I knew next to nothing about T1D. Boy did I have a lot to learn!”

After her son confirmed his diagnosis with an endocrinologist, Kathy quickly immersed herself in learning more about T1D. Her search for information directed her to JDRF and that led her to volunteer her time at the Greater Bay Area Chapter. She reliably comes to our office, sometimes multiple times a week, to help out with whatever is needed, even if it is outside of her comfort zone. “Some of my volunteer work has involved projects that require arts and crafts skills – not my best expertise! I’ve learned how to use and not to fear a glue gun, a staple gun, and how to not mangle a packing tape dispenser too badly,” Kathy says with a smile. She is very serious about doing her part, however. “It is a great place to volunteer; the staff is truly inspiring, gifted, and driven. Every time I work in their office I feel more and more optimistic about our chances to cure T1D.” Kathy’s dedication lights up a room and inspires those around her.

“Kathy is one of those very special volunteers who continues to show up day after day with a positive, can-do attitude. She is not only a hard worker and incredibly smart, she emanates kindness and goodwill in her everyday actions. Kathy always jumps at an opportunity to support JDRF’s efforts and we are so thankful to have her as a leader in the fight against T1D,” says Emily Sliwkowski, Development Coordinator at JDRF Greater Bay Area Chapter.

Kathy is driven by the JDRF mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, treat and prevent T1D and its complications. Advancements in the artificial pancreas, encapsulation, and glucose-responsive insulin give her hope and motivation. “When you learn the hundreds of details and logistics – both personal and financial – that come with a T1D diagnosis, you realize how life changing it is. Overnight. A cure would give me – and the millions of people who have been affected by T1D – so much well-deserved relief.”

When asked if she believes one person can make a difference, Kathy quickly replies “Yes! This quote is taped above my desk, and I think about it daily: A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. – Ghandi.”

Interested in volunteering for the JDRF Greater Bay Area Chapter? Contact Stephanie Nelson at snelson@jdrf.org or 415-597-6303.