Each year, JDRF recognizes individual volunteers who show true commitment to the JDRF Mission of accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. These individuals contribute time and talent and have significantly impacted the North Carolina Community and advanced JDRF’s mission. We are very lucky to be able to name three volunteers of the year

Ashley Sharkey, Piedmont Triad. Ashley is a Piedmont Triad Ride Coach! She is a strong and compassionate coach, an incredible leader who inspires everyone she meets, and is a person who possesses a unique ability to bring everyone she touches along with her. Her perseverance, leadership and limitless passion continues to drive JDRF’s mission.

Carrie Roberts, Triangle and Eastern North Carolina. Carrie has made many contributions to the North Carolina Chapter’s Triangle & Eastern NC market – from Gala, to Golf, to the Board of Directors, Carrie does it all! She is a respected and engaged volunteer who always has a can-do attitude, strong team-building skills, and contagious enthusiasm.

Laura Giovannini, Greater Western Carolinas. Laura has made noteworthy contributions to the Charlotte One Walk, Gala, Youth Ambassadors Leadership Team, and the T1D Connections program over the past fiscal year. Laura is a team player, always jumping where needed to continue to support the T1D community. From stuffing letters and making phone calls to planning events and offering suggestions, Laura is always ready to lend a hand.

Because of volunteers like Ashley, Carrie, and Laura, JDRF is able to continue to fund critical research that is advancing at unprecedented rates. This last year alone, we have seen incredible progress such as the launch of T1Detect, a T1D screening program that will give many more people access to established benefits of T1D screening. Other advancements include the FDA submission of teplizumab, a drug that delays the development of T1D in at-risk individuals by two years!

All of us here at the North Carolina Chapter are excited and extremely grateful to have wonderful volunteers like Ashley, Carrie, and Laura! They have played a major role in the work that JDRF does, and we are lucky to have them! Thank you to these ladies, and all of our volunteers– we could not do what we do without you!