October 26th 2011

     Alright, I know I know, two posts in one day? Outrageous! But this is important! I want to tell all of you(my readers) about The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation(JDRF). JDRF is special to me for many reasons. I have friends with Type 1 Diabetes(T1D) and it's an advocacy project for my WoHeLo.
     So first, let me give you some background as to what T1D is. T1D is often diagnosed in children and teens, hence the nickname, Juvenile Diabetes. T1D is what happens when your immune system reacts to, attacks, and destroys certain cells in your pancreas, an organ in the bottom of your stomach. These beta cells, which usually carry the sugar from food throughout your body to be used as energy, are destroyed. So the sugar, or glucose, stays in your bloodstream causing severe damage to your other organs.
     That's why people with T1D monitor their blood sugar so carefully and why some people with T1D have to take insulin shots. The insulin acts as the beta cells in your body. Scientists don't know the exact causes of T1D yet but they believe autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved.
     JDRF is the global leader in T1D research. They fund more T1D research worldwide than any other charity and have contributed more than $1.5 billion to the research since their founding in 1970. In fiscal year 2010 JDRF contributed more than $106,000,000 and funded more than 40 human clinical trials over 19 countries.
     So as you can see, JDRF is no scam. They put more than 80% of expenditures straight towards research. The other 20% goes to fantastic events like The Walk To Cure T1D! I have been participating in the walk for three years now, and every year is something to look forward too! There's breakfast before the walk and lunch when we get done. They always have water stations along the walk circuit and there's a live band when we finish. Local organizations come out and provide fun activities like bounce houses and exotic animals to pet. I raised $100 dollars for the walk this year, but I know I can do better! So if you'd like to donate, here's the page: All donations, small or large, are welcomed with open arms!
     I'd also love to hear some fresh idea's for fundraising! So if you've had success, or even failure(maybe I can learn from your mistakes (-;  ) with any kind of fundraiser, let me know! Just slide it into a comment below!