On Saturday, October 26, 2019, JDRF Greater Western Carolinas hosted the annual Hope Gala at The Westin Charlotte. This event raised an amazing $1.6 Million for T1D research and would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of our 2019 Gala Chairs, Kate and Mark Stewart. For our Superhero Supporters of the Month of October, we want to recognize and applaud the amazing commitment of Kate and Mark. We would also like to thank DHG for not only sponsoring the Gala, but always supporting our chapter in honor of Kate. Kate Stewart serves as the Tax Operations Leader at DHG.

Kate was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 6, and has been living and thriving with T1D for 30 years. Kate says, “This 30-year achievement is made possible by lifesaving research, supportive friends, family and God’s grace.”

“This 30-year achievement is made possible by lifesaving research, supportive friends, family and God’s grace.”

In honor of her 30 years with type 1 diabetes, Kate and her husband, Mark, decided to chair this year’s Gala. Kate and Mark started volunteering with our chapter when they moved to Charlotte in 2006, and have remained heavily involved ever since. At the Gala, The Stewarts spoke about their experience with type 1 diabetes and their involvement with JDRF. Let’s hear from them below.

“At a recent JDRF meeting, I had the pleasure of running into the GWC chapter founder Roz Greenspon. I had my toddler, Will, with me and Roz asked what my connection was to JDRF. I told her I was type one. She smiled and said when my son Keith was diagnosed in the 70s they recommended women with type one NOT have children. I told her I was very familiar with that having been diagnosed in 1989, the same year that Steel Magnolias premiered on the big screen. For those of you not familiar with the movie, ask your wife or any southern woman. Over the past 30 years JDRF has funded research that has led to life-changing breakthroughs in treatments and therapies including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and most recently the artificial pancreas. Most importantly better treatments have led to better prognosis and new recommendations including the recommendation that women with T1D if properly monitored can have children. To be specific the research JDRF funded the last 30 years gave me my greatest gift, our son Will,” said Kate at the 2019 Hope Gala.

“To be specific the research JDRF funded the last 30 years gave me my greatest gift, our son Will.”

“JDRF provides our family hope by funding research that has made our today better than our yesterday and that will one day lead to a cure for T1D.   Because a cure is not just for Kate, and those living with T1D, alone, it’s for all of us who love them, like Will and I, that want and need them around for many years to come,” stated Mark at the 2019 Hope Gala.

Kate and Mark Stewart put in countless time and effort into the Hope Gala this year and it definitely showed at the event. We are so thankful to have them in our chapter and for their incredible dedication to fighting for a world without type 1 diabetes.

DHG has been involved with JDRF since 2011. When we asked DHG why they choose to support JDRF, their response was, “At DHG our passion to serve goes well beyond the work we do for our clients. We are passionate about supporting the well-being of our people, our broader community and our profession in ways that align with our mission, values and strategy.  We are proud to support our team members and the organizations that are special to them on a personal level.”

“Type 1 diabetes directly affects many families within DHG as well as our clients, so there is a natural appeal for the firm to support JDRF. In addition to sponsoring the Hope Gala, we are honored to host the GWC Board Meetings in our Charlotte SouthPark office.”

When we asked DHG what inspires them about JDRF’s work they replied, “JDRF is leading the fight against type 1 diabetes (T1D). Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has changed the way individuals live with T1D – from insulin pumps to artificial pancreases.  These advancements have improved the quality of life of our team members at DHG who are living with this disease and have given them hope for a better tomorrow. Come join us in the fight against T1D.  There is a cure and together we will find it.”

A huge thank you to DHG for supporting our annual Hope Gala, supporting Kate, and staying dedicated to our fight for a world without type 1 diabetes.

About DHG:  With more than 2,000 people, Dixon Hughes Goodman ranks among the nation’s top 20 public accounting firms. Offering comprehensive assurance, tax and advisory services, the firm focuses on major industry lines and serves clients in all 50 states, as well as internationally. Visit www.dhg.com for additional information.

Are you wanting to get more involved with the chapter? Please visit our website at www.jdrf.org/gwc to find out how you can take part in turning type one into type none!