Vaden is recognized for his steadfast commitment to, and support of, the JDRF San Diego Chapter

New York (November 20, 2019)— JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, today announced Paul Vaden as the recipient of its Erwin Lurie Award for his noteworthy contributions as a volunteer leader in the organization.

Named after the late Erwin Lurie, who helped found JDRF in 1970 with his wife Carol and others, the Erwin Lurie Award is annually presented to chapter volunteers whose commitment to the volunteer/staff partnership has significantly advanced the mission and strategic priorities of JDRF over the past year. Vaden’s 15 years of service to the JDRF San Diego Chapter exemplifies his unwavering commitment to the T1D community.

“It is an honor to present this award to Paul Vaden. He selflessly dedicates his time and talents to JDRF and calls on others to ‘Answer the Bell’ to advance our shared mission,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph. D., JDRF President and CEO. “We are grateful for his many years of leadership and for being the ultimate T1D Champion through his volunteerism.”

Paul is an active member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors and is currently serving as Chapter Board President. Under his leadership, the San Diego Chapter saw one of their best financial years in FY19, raising over $3M and exceeding the budgeted goal by 20%.

As a retired professional boxer and World Boxing Champion, Paul “The Ultimate” Vaden uses his celebrity status to forge new partnerships, gain personal meetings with congress and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for T1D research. Paul has devoted countless hours to the San Diego One Walk, serving in different roles, including committee member, kickoff speaker and celebrity chair. He plays an integral role in the San Diego Chapter Gala, helping to engage the honorees and is a role model for advocacy. Paul builds authentic, long-lasting relationships which has enabled him to engage JDRF partners and community leaders in the fight against T1D.

“Paul has been a part of our lives since the time when our son was first diagnosed with T1D.  He wanted to help and has taken our cause to heart in such a big way.  We are forever grateful for his support and love having him in our corner,” said Steve and Lisa Altman, longtime supporters of JDRF in San Diego.

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 were recognized at the annual JDRF One Conference.

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 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 for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national 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 six 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