IV - Why Do I Support JDRF? Stories of Kathy Bradosky and Debra Gruszecki

"I have been blessed with a 2nd chance at life, have a wonderful husband and two beautiful girls. When my family needed the support it was there from all over family, the company I worked for at the time, friends, neighbors and many many more. All I could think of is how lucky I was and going foward would try to do the same for others.

I also have family members that are affected by this disease, so with all of this being said helping is the least I can do. Giving just a little is so rewarding in so many ways!"
~Kathy Bradosky, Credit Analyst and a creator of "A Basket for all Seasons".

"I actually have a few friends with Diabetes but mainly I wanted to help out because I have great understanding and compassion for anyone, anywhere going through an illness or suffering of any sort. My younger sister, Laura, was diagnosed with an arterial venous malformation (she was born with it) and almost died. She still has seizures but is working (EEG tech at Children's Hospital), and married, and living a productive, happy life, even with this particular illness. I also had a cousin who was at the State home for retarded children in West Seneca because she was born so severely retarded. Until a person goes through something like this they really don't know how devastating it can be.
BUT -- sometimes we are sent suffering so that we appreciate the fragility and beauty of life. An illness or a crisis can be used to make us stronger, to make us wiser, to make us more lovely and more in awe of God's grace in our world. It makes us act and reach out to others. Often when I create as an artist or teach painting to a student, the mistakes made in the process actually improve the outcome of the piece! I like turning liabilities into assets. "
~ Debra Gruszecki, Advertising Proofreader and a JDRF Basket creator.