In the late night hours after this year’s Gala we received a text from a dear friend who wrote “Life is full of surprises…this was a very nice one…”   It sure was!

We would never have expected such an incredible honor….we do what we do because our hearts tell us to, not for credit or accolades.  For sure, there are many others of you who are as deserving, if not more so, who unselfishly give of your time, talents and treasures, because it’s the right thing to do.

To have been the center of attention that night made us a bit, well, uncomfortable…but the experience was, in a word, wonderful!  All of us who volunteer for a worthy cause naturally wonder if what we do, as individuals, really makes a difference in such a big world.  Well, you have affirmed for us that we have made a difference, that we have touched others’ lives, and that we have helped JDRF bring us closer to a world without Type 1 diabetes. For that evening of recognition we will be forever grateful.

But this honor doesn’t reside with us alone, even for that one wonderful evening.  All of you who participated in this year’s Gala have made a difference….you’ve helped bring us closer to the Cure.  So we are happy to share our honor with you!

To the Honoree Selection Committee members and Chapter staff who worked so hard to make this year’s Gala such a success, we are truly humbled that you felt we were worthy of this honor, and so very proud of your efforts to fundraise and organize such a big event.  You all took a crazy risk…and it paid off! Thanks so much to Gregg and Mike, Don and Don, and Rebecca and Kathy…we hope you felt the same joy in bestowing this honor as we did receiving it.  And to our friends, family, and colleagues who joined in the celebration, thank you for sharing our memorable night with us…your presence and participation made it that much more special.

The morning after the Gala we said to ourselves “so, where do we go from here?”  Well, we woke with a renewed confidence and energy that will carry us further down the road to the Cure.  We will never waiver in reaching for that goal…and to know you will be right there with us along that journey strengthens and encourages us like you can’t imagine…  From the bottom of our hearts…thank you.

With love and dedication to finding the cure,

George and Chrissie Greatrex