Annual award recognizes outstanding JDRF volunteer leadership

Washington, D.C. and New York, Feb. 6, 2024—JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Director Emeritus of the JDRF International Board of Directors and Vice Chair of long-time JDRF partner Savills, Inc., Adam Singer as the recipient of the 2023 John Brady Award for Innovation in recognition of his longstanding leadership.

The John Brady Award for Innovation recognizes an outstanding JDRF volunteer who has exhibited leadership in driving innovation and pioneering projects or ideas with the potential to meaningfully impact the T1D community. The award is named after John Brady, a long-time JDRF volunteer and former member and chair of the JDRF International Board of Directors.

Adam was diagnosed with T1D in 1978 at the age of 18 and became involved with JDRF’s chapter in Philadelphia shortly thereafter. During his early years with JDRF, Adam founded the organization’s first international division of support groups in 30 cities and served as a member of JDRF’s International Board of Directors from 1982 to 1985 as the youngest member in JDRF history. He chaired JDRF’s Facilities Committee and a task force to get diabetes supplies to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. He is a long-time advocate and consistent leader, as well as a gala honoree and former board chair for the Mid Atlantic Chapter.

Markedly, one of Adam’s greatest contributions to JDRF’s mission is his founding of the JDRF Real Estate Games, a commercial real estate industry Olympics-style fundraising event. Since 1990, the Real Estate Games have raised more than $14 million for T1D research. This innovative event showcases Adam’s ability to cultivate relationships, connect people to JDRF’s mission, and drive fundraising. The Real Estate Games engage the commercial real estate communities in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York and have set an example of a wonderful industry partnership. The Washington, D.C. event attracts more than 70 firms and 2,000 people. Adam is a dynamic volunteer partner who consistently puts the needs of JDRF and the T1D community first.

“Adam is a true type 1 diabetes champion. With a keen ability to translate a vision into bold action, he has had a lasting impact on the type 1 diabetes community and been influential in driving JDRF’s mission forward,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., JDRF CEO. “As the founder of the JDRF Real Estate Games, his innovative thinking and engagement of the commercial real estate community has created a longstanding tradition that has not only raised significant funds for life-changing research, but also demonstrated the power of volunteer leaders in moving us toward cures. JDRF is proud to honor Adam’s highly impactful leadership and contributions over the past 45 years.”

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 in Houston, Texas.

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. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short or 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. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with 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:

Casey Fielder

509-651-0087

media@jdrf.org