Jean Kuczka, a teacher, T1D (type 1 diabetes) parent and longtime JDRF volunteer was killed in October 2022 during a school shooting in St. Louis, MO. Today, Jean’s courage in protecting her students during last year’s attack, was recognized with a posthumous Single Act of Heroism Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Jean’s warm nature and positive presence is particularly missed among JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes volunteers. Jean was set to participate in her 15th JDRF Ride last December in support of one of her sons who was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 10. Though we continue to mourn Jean’s untimely death, the JDRF community is proud that her bravery and commitment to her students is being recognized at the national level.