On March 9, 1979 life as we knew it changed dramatically when our 10 month old daughter, Melanie, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  She spent seven days in the hospital, where she was poked and prodded almost hourly. There was so little hope. The doctors told us that the chances of our daughter leading a ‘normal’ life were slim.  We were advised that blindness, kidney failure, and amputations were in her future.  There was little likelihood that Melanie would be able to have children, if she even grew to adulthood. We felt so alone.  We headed home with syringes, urine testers and beef/pork insulin. Our baby was still in diapers and nursing.  How would we know if her blood sugar was ‘high’ or ‘low’?  We were terrified – but determined, and hopeful that we could give Melanie the best life possible.

Almost 40 years later, Melanie is a healthy mother of two precious children – in large part due to the medical advances funded by JDRF.  JDRF is the leading global organization funding Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research.  JDRF is committed to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.  This mission is challenged daily to change the reality of this disease for millions of people by funding nearly $2 billion in research, advocating for government support of research, and ensuring new therapies come to market.  Today, life is utterly different for a newly diagnosed child or adult.  Because of JDRF’s research, there is the insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor, improved insulin, and even an artificial pancreas. The T1D community is not alone…JDRF gives us HOPE. Because Steve has been an incredible, but quiet fighter to see a cure for T1D, he has been named the Honorary Chair of the 2018 New Mexico JDRF Evening of Hope.  The gala event to raise monies to support the continued research of JDRF will be held at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort on Saturday, March 17, 2018.  From the moment Melanie was diagnosed, he did anything a father can to make her life easier.  He even allowed Melanie to practice giving him shots!  Steve and I believe deeply in the mission of JDRF….a world without T1D.   I am reaching out to you because you have been acquainted with Steve over the years.   This is your chance to support a cause that he is passionate about and make a HUGE difference to the millions of children and adults who live 24/7 with injections, finger-poking blood tests, insulin reactions and continuous monitoring.  There is never a vacation, never any downtime….but JDRF gives HOPE.  EVERY dollar raised in Fund a Cure is used for research.  Your tax-deductible donation will help JDRF bring life-changing therapies from the lab to the Type 1 community.

Steve is indeed humbled by this amazing honor.  His family is so proud of him. Please join us on March 17, 2018 for an evening of HOPE and FUN. JDRF depends on the generous support of people like Steve and you to continue its incredible research.    I hope that you will join us on March 17th by purchasing a sponsorship or tickets to the event.  If you are not able to attend, please consider donating in honor of Steve and his endless crusade to Turn Type 1 into Type None so our four precious grandchildren will grow up in a world without T1D and its complications.