7 Curing Type 1 Diabetes with the JDRF By: Jordan Kelch, Public Relations Type 1 Diabetes is defined by the American Diabetes Association as the event in which the body does not produce insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar, or glucose, into the energy necessary for daily life. Typically referred to as Juvenile Diabetes, Type 1 is largely discovered in children ages 10 years and younger. From a global standpoint, this disease encompasses about 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases – that translates to around 22 million individuals worldwide. The JDRF, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is the world’s leading organization dedicated to funding Type 1 research. This 501(c)(3), which was founded in 1970, has worked tirelessly over the last four decades to remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives. Through specific partnerships, the JDRF has been able to build the influence, resources and knowledge to better create a working plan that can treat, prevent and ultimately cure Type 1 Diabetes. The organization is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific research spread out over 17 countries. Because it uses over 80% of its expenditures to support this research, the JDRF was recently recognized by Forbes magazine as one of its five All-Star charities. The Commonwealth is lucky enough to have its own JDRF chapter which serves all individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes here in Kentucky and in nine counties of Southern Indiana. Our chapter offers support groups as well as hosting several annual fundraisers, bringing together people and resources, all in the name of Diabetes research. If you are looking for ways to support this worthy cause, consider attending the Passport to a Cure Gala or joining the Greater Louisville Walk to Cure Diabetes, the Bluegrass Walk to Cure Diabetes (Lexington) or the Four Rivers Walk to Cure Diabetes (Paducah). JDRF license plates are available at all county clerk offices throughout the state; eligibility requires the driver to be an owner of a non- commercial motor vehicle. The initial cost is $44.00 with an annual renewal fee of $31.00. $10.00 of the initial and renewal of registration fee is a voluntary donation to the JDRF. This plate is available for personalization with an additional $25.00 application fee but is limited to a maximum of 5 characters. “The organization is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific research spread out over 17 countries.”