Emily Graybeal – Development Manager (Greater Western Carolinas Chapter)

Emily’s love for making a measurable difference in the lives of those around her and offering hope to families impacted by T1D makes her a true T1D Champion. In her role, Emily Owns and Acts with Courage to be part of the reason that people living with T1D and their loved ones can live a less burdened life.

Recently, she saw an opportunity to make a difference and took the initiative to develop an elaborate, successful stewardship plan to make sure that her chapter’s riders felt appreciated so they returned year after year. In addition to monthly Ride emails that include a Research update, her chapter’s fundraising progress and fundraising tip, her stewardship plan includes:

• A Happy New Year’s postcard that arrives over the holidays with a reminder about Ride registration
• Youth ambassadors writing notes to all of our riders during the “off season” to ensure that Ride was top of mind
• The week of the Ride, she distributes a “send-off” email to let riders know that the chapter is cheering them on
• A handwritten thank you note to each rider (on a hand-drawn decorated bike card created by a child with T1D) that arrives to their home on the Monday that they return from their weekend.

The result? Out of 47 riders, only two didn’t return for medical reasons this year!

Emily’s impact doesn’t end with her work day. A T1D Champion, she felt drawn to do something outside of her comfort zone to show how inspired she is by being surrounded by people courageously battling T1D 24/7.

“Emily and her dad decided to sign up for this year’s Ride in Sonoma – just three weeks before her wedding.”

To Emily, having not done any training rides before 40 miles in hilly Sonoma didn’t come close to the daily bravery resilience of people living with T1D. Collectively, they raised over $11,000 without a direct T1D connection – just a passion for wanting to impact JDRF’s

mission!

Way to go Emily! You are so passionate about your work and it shows. We’re so proud to call you a staff member of JDRF Greater Western Carolinas.