Salem, VA and New York, November 3, 2022— JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Sally Southard as the recipient of the Erwin Lurie Award for her noteworthy contributions as a volunteer leader. Named for Erwin Lurie, who helped found JDRF in 1970 with his wife Carol, the Erwin Lurie Award is annually presented to a chapter volunteer whose commitment to the volunteer/staff partnership has significantly advanced the mission and strategic priorities of JDRF over the past year.

“Sally is an all-around T1D champion, from welcoming new members into the community to sharing her knowledge and raising funds to accelerate life-changing research,” said Jaclyn Toll, executive director of the JDRF Mid Atlantic Chapter. “We thank Sally for her longstanding commitment to our mission and congratulate her on this well-deserved award.”

For more than 40 years, Sally has exemplified an unwavering commitment to JDRF and the local chapters in the greater Virginia area. She has worn many hats as a former JDRF T1D Voices Council member, JDRF Greater Blue Ridge Chapter president and board member, walk chair, gala chair, and honoree. In 2020, Sally leaned in to provide volunteer leadership as regional chapters in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. consolidated to create the JDRF Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

Sally has been living with T1D for more than 57 years. Sally currently serves on the JDRF Mid-Atlantic Chapter Community Board of Directors, executive council, and serves as the president of the Virginia Mission Board. She provides a unique outlook that often helps her connect with new and old community members.

“It is an honor to present this award to long-time JDRF volunteer leader Sally Southard,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., JDRF CEO. “Sally has selflessly dedicated time and passion to elevating the JDRF mission, and we are grateful for her continued support.”

JDRF recognizes and appreciates all of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who commit their lives to the worldwide effort to end T1D. Volunteer award recipients are recognized at the annual JDRF One Conference in Washington, D.C.

About JDRF
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to long-term complications which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart; and even death if left untreated. It is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and early puberty, but diagnosis in adulthood is on the rise, and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset is sudden and nothing can be done to prevent it yet—it is not related to diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.

Media Contact:
Chelsea-Lyn Rudder
media@jdrf.org
646-946-0513