Why do I support JDRF? Elena's Story

Many of us support a charity organization just because as human beings we like helping other human beings. Often though, there is also a personal reason behind the gesture. This week we will share personal stories along with the news on the progress of our campaign. And I (Elena) will begin with myself.

Couple years ago my 87 year old grandma was diagnosed with Diabetes. As we all know "when it rains, it pours", and within the next 2 years my uncle and my other grandma got diagnosed with Diabetes as well. Luckily all three of them have a less complicated form of Diabetes - Type 2, but nevertheless, all of a sudden I found myself learning about Glucometers, lancets, testing strips. I buy the supplies for all three of them, since even at full price everything is less expensive than in my home country. It was also my responsibility to teach them how to make a test, as the instructions are in English.

Last year at JDRF kick-off in The Talking Phone Book I was shocked to learn one fact about Diabetes: no matter how "livable" the disease seems to be (it is not like AIDS or Cancer), it shortens a person's life by about 10 years! I decided I would like to help so we have a cure soon and nobody's life gets shortened.

I hope many of us will decide to walk on June 8th or support one of our teams. Lets bring the moment of finding the cure closer!