The annual JDRF Wisconsin Gala, One Night One Mission returns on March 4, 2023 celebrating and fueling progress in type one diabetes (T1D) research in three locations across the state. One important part of the night is featuring our Fund a Cure families who share their stories and why T1D research is important to them. Fund a Cure is an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of people living with T1D and their loved ones through a 100% tax-deductible donation, which will accelerate life-changing research. Get to know our Fund a Cure families below!

 

Our Appleton Gala Honoree Family are the Spikas.

Dave and Karla and their three sons, Sam (23), Andrew (20), and Luke (17), became involved in JDRF in 2013, when Luke was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 7. Since his diagnosis, the family has been involved in many ways. They have participated in multiple JDRF Walks and are regulars at the Gala.  Karla has served on the local JDRF board and has been involved in advocacy and government relations. Dave has completed two JDRF Rides. Dave and Karla work as Family Medicine physicians for Prevea Clinic. They have resided in Green Bay since 1998. Sam is employed in Green Bay by KI, and Andrew is a student at UW-LaCrosse, studying statistics. Luke plans to join him there in the fall as a freshman.

 

At the Madison Gala, we will be honoring the Zuelsdorfs.

Anthony owns his own building/remodeling business and Samantha is a busy mom who also helps Anthony with the back end of the business. Then they have Talon (13), Kamiah (9), Traxton (7), Torren (4), Brucks (3) and Hero, Talon’s diabetic alert dog!

The Zuelsdorfs got involved with JDRF shortly after their son, Talon, was diagnosed with diabetes when he was three years old. He was in full DKA and spent a week at Children’s Hospital. Talon is now thirteen and will be celebrating his 10 year diaversary this year! He enjoys playing basketball and baseball, gaming with his friends, anything to do with computers/coding and riding his bike.

Since Talon was diagnosed, the family initially got involved with One Walk. Shortly after that, Samantha joined the board for JDRF and attended multiple Government Days in Washington DC, advocating for why we need continued funding for Type 1. In 2017, Samantha participated in her first Ride to Cure and became hooked. This year, the family flew to Ameila Island for Talon to participate in his first Ride since becoming old enough. He, as well, was hooked. The family will be riding in La Crosse this year and Talon has a goal of recruiting Dad. His sister Kamiah is counting down the years until she can join!

Their hope for the future is that everyone can continue seeing the great improvements and advancements being made through funding and research. When Talon was three, he started this journey doing over 10 shots a day and poking his finger every two hours to get a blood sugar reading. A few years later, he got his first CGM and insulin pump. While these advancements are amazing, it still isn’t a cure, and that is our family’s ultimate goal!

 

Our last honoree family from the Milwaukee area are Kim Palmer Bourne and David Bourne.

Kim is a veteran of ten rides for the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes program. In 2006, Kim successfully completed the Death Valley ride for the first time as a way to honor the memory of her late husband Bob, who passed away from complications of Type 1 Diabetes the year before. Later that year, Kim joined the JDRF Board, serving as Treasurer. Kim chaired the Milwaukee Gala for three years and has served on many JDRF committees.

Kim and Dave Bourne married in 2015 and lovingly combined their family of four children. Together, they have welcomed grandchildren Kennedy, Madison and Leon to their clan. Dave is a huge JDRF supporter and a two-time finisher of the Death Valley ride.

Kim is a self-employed CPA, founding Kim Palmer Consulting to serve small businesses as a fractional CFO or Controller. Kim recently teamed up with BizCFOs to provide consulting services on a statewide and remote basis.

When she is not riding her bike or spending time with her grandchildren, Kim enjoys running, hiking and traveling. Kim is a proud member of Professional Dimensions and Cadence Cycling, both women-based organizations in Milwaukee.

 

To hear these families’ whole stories, join us on Saturday, March 4 in one of our three ballrooms. Tickets to the JDRF Wisconsin Gala, One Night One Mission can be found by clicking here.