Campaign to raise awareness and funds for type 1 diabetes runs March 5 – March 25, 2023 

JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, kicks off its 30th year of partnership with Tops Friendly Markets with an in-store donation campaign, March 5 through March 25.  Since 1993 Tops customers have donated more than $14 million to fund type 1 diabetes research and innovation.  

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, JDRF and Tops Friendly Markets are highlighting local leaders in the type 1 diabetes community.  

Pennsylvania: Carly Brigaman, Mrs. Pennsylvania United States of America, created her “Got Insulin” platform in honor of her nephew who lives with type 1 diabetes. Brigaman works with JDRF and elected officials to advocate for accessible and affordable insulin.  

On March 19, Carly will appear at the following Tops Friendly Markets locations: 

11 a.m. – Meadville, PA 

12 p.m. – Waterford, PA 

1 p.m. – East 38th Street – Erie, PA 

1:45 p.m. – West 38th Street – Erie, PA 

2:30 p.m. – West 26th Street – Erie, PA 

Albany, NY: Michele and Alessandro DiMeo- Seven-year-old Alessandro was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was just 17 months old. The toddler’s flu-like symptoms progressed into diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of type 1 diabetes that can be life threatening. Now, Alessandro and his mom Michelle help to raise awareness about the disease by speaking out about his traumatic diagnosis. Alessandro is featured on the in-store displays for this year’s campaign.  

Buffalo, NY: Michele, Buz, Cale and Jaxson Smith- Michele Smith is the matriarch of a family that has been profoundly impacted by type 1 diabetes. Her husband Buz, son Cale and grandson Jaxson have all been diagnosed with the disease. In 1990, Michele became a living kidney donor for her brother who also had type 1 but who unfortunately passed away from complications of the disease in 1995.  

What: JDRF and Tops Friendly Markets Celebrate 30 Year Partnership with Annual Point of Sale Donation Drive 

Who: JDRF, Tops Friendly Markets 

When: Donation Drive, March 5 – March 25, 2023 

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