grat·i·tude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

One of the joys of being on the JDRF team is the opportunity to learn from an incredible tribe of people living with or loving someone with type 1 diabetes. These are champions and warriors, families and individuals who face head on – with grace and dignity – the challenges of T1D. I am grateful to be part of that tribe, and especially grateful to witness the courageous approach with which they face each day.

National Diabetes Awareness Month falls (appropriately) during the season of thanksgiving. It’s in that spirit that several leaders of the JDRF community recently shared their thoughts on why they are grateful for JDRF. Know that we are grateful for every one of you, and look forward to standing together atop the mountain of success one day when we say we found the cures for type 1 diabetes.

From a JDRF senior staff member with family members with T1D…

I’m grateful for JDRF because I’m grateful for real progress that impacts the lives of the people I love with T1D. JDRF partners with the most innovative, thoughtful and creative researchers in the world, some of whom do their work in Colorado and I’ve been lucky enough to meet. You can’t find more kind, thoughtful and empathetic individuals – the weight of their research and it’s impact on those who live bravely every day with T1D is very tangible. Hope for the future keeps me driving forward – thank you JDRF-funded researchers!

From a long-time volunteer who lives with T1D…

Through JDRF, I’ve found a community of people who understand the details of what it means to live every day with T1D in a way that nobody else can comprehend.  The JDRF staff, volunteers, and other supporters have been a consistent source of inspiration and support for me and my family, and I’m very grateful to have this amazing organization as a resource.

From a staff member who lives with T1D…

I’m thankful for JDRF not only for their dedication to finding a cure for T1D, but because of the empowering, strong community that anyone dealing with type 1 diabetes of any age or stage can find hope in. JDRF’s dedication to better treating, preventing and curing T1D affects every part of my life.  Because of research I am constantly able to improve my own T1D care; relatives living with long term complications have more options than ever before to live healthy lives;  and because of JDRF, it’s my hope that my children and future generations will never have to fear the diagnosis of this disease.

From a volunteer leader with family members who live with T1D…

I am thankful for the JDRF community, families. and staff. They continuously touch my heart with their stories and courage. They also continue to remind me that there is still a need for more science and research and that envelops my desire and motivation to become a part of the BDC team. I will always be blessed and thankful to serve the T1D community. At the end of the day, we are all one big family.

From a generous donor who loves someone who lives with T1D…

We are grateful for the in-house expertise that JDRF has to direct research money all over the world to find a cure and make daily life a little easier.