JDRF’s research has two core objectives: identifying cures (yes, plural!) for type 1 diabetes (T1D); and improving lives. From identifying new and improved artificial pancreas systems to immunotherapies that could “turn off” the body’s autoimmune attack against its insulin-producing beta cells, Colorado-based JDRF-Funded researchers do a little bit of everything.

A series of exclusive Barbara Davis Center tours hosted by JDRF recently provided unique access to some of our funded researchers, including Dr. Thomas Delong, Dr. Holger Russ, Dr. Greg Forlenza and, coming up in December, Dr. Richard Benninger. Tours highlighted the specific work being conducted by each researcher and offered a showcase for ground-breaking innovation being developed in Colorado. JDRF annually funds $13 – $20 million in Colorado research – the fourth highest state total in the nation – and includes projects at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus/Barbara Davis Center, and National Jewish Hospital.

All new T1D therapies and potential cures progress through a series of research stages before reaching the people who need them. Discovery, pre-clinical, and clinical trials may ultimately lead to regulatory approvals, setting up JDRF partnerships with industry leaders to move therapies to market

JDRF volunteers and Board Members – parents or siblings of children and adults living with T1D – attended recent research tours and offered their perspectives on what they learned.

“Being a part of the research tour was incredibly valuable.”

Board Member, Outreach Chair, Walk Team Captain and donor Antoinette Taranto shared that “it’s really helpful to see the direct connection between the donors and the research.” Learning about T1D research first hand from provided a chance to “see exactly how our fundraising dollars are being spent. As desperately as I want to see a cure for my son, my takeaway is that the research, and the human body, are very complex. Some of the smartest people are working on a cure, and I don’t know of any other philanthropies that give you the opportunity to go ‘behind the scenes’ and see what they’re up to with your money. I appreciate the transparency and accountability JDRF demonstrates to its donors and supporters by offering these research tours.

“It reinforces confidence that my donations will be used for valuable research.”

Dan Lyons knew that there had been a lot of progress in the field of stem cell research, but “I didn’t realize how advanced the progress was that allowed the creation of human islet cells at scale from these stem cell sources. It was exciting to know that some of the leading islet production research is going on right here in Colorado.” Dan is also a JDRF Board Member and donor, serving as the Research Information Volunteer.  “I learned that similar processes can be leveraged to create immune cell lines to study the underlying cause of T1D as well as the means to potentially prevent its development. As someone formerly involved in medical research, I recognize how challenging it can be, so it was important to see the conviction and commitment of (JDRF Researcher) Dr. Holger Russ firsthand.”

“To be invited into a lab to meet and talk with a JDRF-funded researcher was an honor.” 

Former Walk Chair, longtime JDRF Volunteer and donor Michelle Slagell has been fundraising for and supporting JDRF for seventeen years, since her youngest was diagnosed with T1D.  “Two years ago, my oldest also received the T1D diagnosis at the age of 24.  Being able to meet a researcher and learn a little more about what he’s working on, what motivates him, and what his vision is was reaffirming as to why I continue to support and believe in JDRFs mission. To go and see the lab in person and meet JDRF-Funded Researcher Dr. Thomas Delong was very cool! “

Said Michelle, “It was meaningful to me to know that Dr. Delong is also living with T1D and that he has dedicated his life to research for T1D. It can be frustrating that there is no cure yet. It was good to hear about some of the new studies, research and technology on the horizon, but it was also reassuring to hear that finding a cure is also part of the focus and research that is happening in the lab.”

You can help get life-saving T1D therapies into the hands of people who need them. If you or a close relative has T1D, you may qualify to participate in a local trial. To learn more about trials near you, visit: https://www.jdrf.org/impact/research/clinical-trials/. Read more about the research projects JDRF is funding and where they are located.

The 2020 Research Tour calendar is being developed. To learn about attending, please contact: Hannah Hoogenboom, Development Director, JDRF Rocky Mountain Chapter: hhoogenboom@jdrf.org | 303-209-7718.