JDFI . . . because there's hope
The goal of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
JDFI was founded in 1970 by a small group of parents of children with diabetes. As it has grown to tens of thousands of volunteers working in more than 100 chapters and affiliates across the United States and around the world, it has never wavered from its goal.
Since the discovery of insulin in 1922, science has made it possible for peole with diabetes to live longer. But insulin is not a cure. It gives people with diabetes a chance, but only research will give them a cure.
Diabetes does not discriminate. It strikes people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. It does not discriminate among economic or ethnic groups, although some minority groups in the United States get diabetes in higher proportions than others.
While the human impact of diabetes is enormous, the economic toll on society as a whole is also staggering. Every year one out of every seven heath care dollars and one out of every four Medicare dollars spent in the United States goes to care for people with diabetes.
JDFI is dedicated to finding a cure through innovative and targeted research. Since its founding, JDFI has given more money to diabetes research than any other non-profit, non-governmental health agency in the world.
Our commitment has paid off. JDFI-supported research, from the bench of the basic scientist to the bedside of the clinical researcher, has led to medical advances that have improved the lives of thousands of people with diabetes around the world. In fact, JDFI has funded, in part, every major breakthrough in diabetes research in the last two decades.
But these accomplishments are not enough. JDFI is commited to eradicating diabetes and its complications worldwide. That commitment fueled our decision to embark on The Only Remedy Is a Cure campaign, which is rapidly approaching its $200 million goal. These funds are dramatically accelerating the pace of diabetes research.
JDFI focuses its research funding in threee areas:
1. preventing diabetes and its recurrence;
2. restoring normal blood glucose and metabolism; and
3. preventing and reversing the complications that reduce the quality of life for those who live with diabetes.
More than money
JDFI is contributing more than just money to the discovery process. It has brought together top researchers from around the world to construct "maps" of current research to discover the gaps in scientific and medical knowledge about diabetes and identify the best opportunity for closing those gaps.
As a result of The Only Remedy Is a Cure Campaign, JDFI has directed additional millions of dollars into interdisciplinary research at institutions worldwide, fostering collaboration among pre-eminent diabetes researchers in related cutting edge disciplines such as microbiology, immunology, genetics, and transplantation. The breadth of exploratory work JDFI supports is vital for conquering a disease as complex as diabetes--whose cure most likely wil be achieved in stages and come from a combination of sources.
Public--Private Partnership
In addition JDFI is pioneering unique partnerships with public and private enitities, leveraging its dollars while changing the very nature of scientific research. Currently JDFI is collaborating with four of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, the Medical Research COuncil of Canada, and the National Health and Medical Research COuncil of Australia. In addition, JDFI is an active partner in the new National Diabetes Education Program, sponsored by NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In chapters and affiliates across the U.S. and around the world, tens of thousands of JDFI members volunteer in many ways to further the search for a cure for diabetes. Donation of their time and talent allows JDFI to remain one of the world's most cost-effective health agencies, sending at least 80 cents of every dollar to research and education. In December 1997 JDFI was cited by The Wall Street Journal Magazine of Personal Finance as one of two health "charities you can trust," based on efficiency and favorable expert review.
The success of JDFI's fundraising events, government relations efforts, public education endeavors, patient advocacy programs, and local support groups is a direct result of the passion and hard work of its dedicated volunteers. These are some ways they get involved.
Public Advocacy: A Way to Make Your Voice Heard
The government Relations Committee organizes JDFI's advocacy efforts, assisted by hundreds of volunteers from chapters throughout the United States. Constituents' letters, calls, and visits personally requesting enhanced diabetes research funding have profound impact on legislation and government allocations. Such grassroots efforts have helped persuade the U.S. government to increase its annual diabettes research funding from $18 million in 1970 to over $3500 million in 1998.
The Only Remedy if a Cure Campaign: A Major Gift Initiative
A gift to JDFI's $200 million international capital campaign funds the best interdisciplinary reseach in the world and helps expedite the search for a cure.
The Beta Society: A Planned Giving Program
A bequest or other planned gift to JDFI is an investment that can have substantial tax benefits today whil eensuring research funding for tomoorw.
Walk to Cure DIabets: A Worldwide Team-Building Fund Raiser
Corporate walk teams and individuals in U.S. chapters and international affiliates raise pledge dollars through this annual event, which combines a walkathon with celebrities, entertainment, and refreshments.
Other Special Events: Fun While Furthering Diabetes Reseach
Dinner dances, golf tournaments, charity auctions, lectures, and other social gatherings are enjoyable to work on and raise critical dollars for research.
Employee Giving Campaign: A Means of Ongoing Support
Payroll deductions provide the option of contributing where you work.
Matching Gifts: Partnering with Your Employer to Double Your Contribution
If your company is participatin in a matching gift program your contribution could support twice as much research.
Memorial and Tribute Cards: A Meaningful Way to Acknowledge Friends and Loved Ones
A gift to JDFI in celebration or in sympathy is a significant way to share your sentiments.
JDFI serves people with diabetes, their families and anyone concerned about conquering this disease. We invite you to join us in heightening awareness about its seriousness and in supporting the most promising research to find a cure and lessen complications. You can make a difference.
For as little as $25, you can become a member of the Juvenile DIabetes Foundation International and be part of the search for a cure. Membership entitles you to receive: