—Mike Lee Recognized for Significant Contribution to JDRF—

New York, NY, July 29, 2014 — JDRF presented its Jim Tyree Chairman’s Choice Award to volunteer and leader Mike Lee for his outstanding contributions to JDRF on behalf of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The annual award was presented at the 2014 One Walk Conference held in Washington, D.C.

“Mike is deeply involved with JDRF at the highest level and serves as an inspiration to all of us,” said Dick Allen, JDRF’s immediate past chairman of the international board of directors. “Mike was diagnosed with T1D when he was 31 and while that would have set many people back, Mike stepped up, rolled up his sleeves and became an advocate and champion for all of us impacted by this disease. I am so impressed with his ability to share his vison, stay committed to excellence and inspire all those around him. It’s a privilege to recognize Mike’s enormous contribution with this award.”

A member of the International Board of Directors since 2012, Mike chaired the Compensation Committee and has served as a member of the Executive Committee. He is also Chair of the Affiliate Agreement and Global Strategy Working Group. He regularly consults with the Executive Committee on issues of governance and has acted as an informal coach and mentor for several members of the JDRF staff. Mike began his service with JDRF in the chapters, working with JDRF Illinois where he served as chair of the Major Donor Committee, member of the executive committee, and corporate chair for several walk sites. Mike is now a Life Director for the JDRF Illinois Chapter, and in 2010, Mike received the Illinois chapter President’s Award for his volunteer contributions

“Receiving this award is such an honor. I’m fortunate to work with so many talented, passionate and dedicated volunteers and staff, both on the International Board and on the Illinois Chapter Board,” said Mike Lee. “I had the extreme pleasure to work with Jim when he was the JDRFI Board Chair, and he recruited me to join the JDRF Illinois Chapter Board. Through Jim’s efforts and the efforts of thousands of volunteers and staff, we are now seeing tangible advancements in areas like the artificial pancreas, new beta cell encapsulation approaches and new smart insulin. Together, we can and will make a difference in fighting this T1D disease.”

The Chairman’s Choice Award is named after the late Jim Tyree, who passed away in March 2011. A longtime JDRF friend and leader who lived with T1D for 25 years, Mr. Tyree was a Life Member of JDRF’s Illinois Chapter Board of Directors and served as chair of JDRF’s International Board of Directors from 2006 to 2008.

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF is currently sponsoring $568 million in scientific research in 17 countries. For more information, please visit jdrf.org

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Media Contact:
Christopher Rucas
212.479.7667 (office)
crucas@jdrf.org