Dear Family & Friends (old & new),

It is a real honor for our family to be chosen as the JDRF Western & Central PA Fund A Cure Family! We see this as an opportunity to continue to make a difference in our type 1 diabetes (T1D) community, not just today but for years to come. As many of you know, there are three of us in our home who live with T1D. I (Chelsea) was diagnosed at the age of 23, Kate was diagnosed at age 3 (now 14), and Ryan was T1D antibody positive at age 3 and started insulin at age 8 (now 11).

At the time of my diagnosis, I felt my world shatter. I felt numb, scared, and fearful that my life was over. It was lonely and I was hopeless. Shortly after my diagnosis, though, I thought, “Let me try to connect to the T1D community. Let me see what I can do to give back.” Knowing nothing and having zero expectations, I decided to volunteer at the JDRF One Walk, and was placed at the registration/check-in table. I knew my efforts were going to help, but what I did not know is what this day would mean to me in my life and in my journey with T1D.

As I stood at the table, group after group came up with excitement, joy, and this palpable power of doing something great and impactful! Families came all decked out and I will never forget a family whose 2-year-old daughter had T1D. They were all wearing matching shirts that read, “Emily’s Wish.” Emily wore her shirt and waved a magic wand, and as I watched her and her family, I reflected on how their wish was my wish and the wish of everyone who was there… and everyone who is reading this right now! Our wish that there will be a cure for T1D! On that day, I felt the T1D community coming together and for the first time since my diagnosis, I felt hopeful for all of our futures!

I am deeply grateful for JDRF and what this organization has meant to me, my family, and our community. I’ve watched so many children, including my own, connect with other children at JDRF community events. I’ve seen the power of JDRF advocacy which has helped to make insulin more affordable and keep the government support for T1D flowing.

As a clinician, I’ve seen countless lives positively impacted by the improved technology backed and supported by JDRF. I’ve had the privilege of attending many diabetes conferences where T1D research is presented. Research dedicated to our cure! Research financially supported by JDRF! JDRF invests our dollars to find our cure, improve our health, and positively impact our quality of life with T1D. It is a truly remarkable organization that cares about all of us!

Even though my family will be the faces of Fund A Cure this year, know that ALL OF US are the Fund A Cure Family!!! Let us come together and “Reach for the Stars,” giving what we can to JDRF so they continue to positively impact our lives and our futures! I hope you will join us for the 2024 JDRF Central PA Gala on May 18th. Even if you cannot join, I am kindly asking each of you to please give what you can toward the cause that means the most to all of us!

Please donate directly to Fund A Cure today. Your 100% tax-deductible donation will impact not only our family, but the lives of all of those living with and affected by T1D by going straight toward advancing research and accelerating cures.

With our deepest gratitude and love,

Chelsea, Kate, Ryan, & ALL OF US!!!

2024 JDRF Fund A Cure Family