Meet our JDRF Board Volunteer Engagement Chair, Elaine Bader.  Elaine’s son, Grant, was diagnosed just before his 3rd birthday.  Here is her story of how she got involved with JDRF.

Grant was diagnosed over 11 years ago and I still don’t know how my husband, Tom and I got through that first year…it was devastating.  This was not how our son’s life was supposed to be…to carry around such a burden at such a young age.  We were definitely overwhelmed and I am grateful that Tom did something that has helped us all through this journey.  He called JDRF.  Julie & Dana were so helpful in educating us on how to navigate this disease and to give us a purpose.  We were not going to let this disease take over our lives…we were going to fight it!  Thus, my journey into volunteering at JDRF began.

My first venture was at the One Walk in Fox Valley.  It was great being with so many like-minded people who truly understood your highs and lows (we are all too familiar with those!). We have been walking for 10 years now and it is something that Grant looks forward to every year. It gives him hope that with all of the money we raise we are making a difference not only in his life, but every other T1D as well.

The next volunteer opportunity was with the JDRF Gala.  This is such an awesome event.  I am amazed and grateful at the generosity of this community.  To see so many people come together to raise money for a cure that will benefit my son is incredible.  I have been known to wipe a tear or two from the night!

I am currently volunteering on the NEWI JDRF Board as the Volunteer Engagement Chair.  I am entering my 5th year and grateful for the opportunity to serve.  It seems like my volunteering has been a natural progression.  I didn’t set out to do any of it.  I was presented a need and decided to help.  I hope that as you read my story, it might strike a chord with you and decide to volunteer in 2019…to help other T1D’s in their quest for a cure!

If you are interested in volunteering, like Elaine, please Click Here and we will reach out to discuss opportunities.