Board

I originally became involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a favor to a good friend. However, after becoming familiar with the good work being done by this organization, I became personally committed to its mission and have been extremely active and involved ever since.

As a delegate to the national convention, I have had an opportunity to see first hand how pro-active and involved JDRF is in the most important aspect of this terrible disease, finding a cure. I also have a close family member who was stricken with diabetes early in life and I am now committed more than ever to do all I can to help fund research.

We are so close to a cure and it is my true belief that when the cure is found, JDRF will be the driving force behind it. It is my honor and my privilege to be a part of the Mississippi organization and I look forward to continuing my efforts on its behalf and on behalf of the people afflicted with diabetes.

As a person who lives with type 1 diabetes every day, getting involved with the JDRF was an easy decision. After all, I have a personal stake in the success of this organization. After I attended my first JDRF Gala in 2002 and saw the passion and progress that the JDRF inspires, I was hooked!

The JDRF has revolutionized the way we research and the way we fund research. That research is vital to curing this disease. Even today, research and technology developed at JDRF-funded centers helps people living with diabetes enjoy increased quality of life while keeping their eyes on the cure.

While I am proud to be a part of the Mississippi Chapter of the JDRF, I do look forward to the day when it is no longer needed because a cure has been found. I am confident that the research that the Mississippi Chapter helps the JDRF fund is moving from “bench to bedside” as quickly as possible. It is that research that will make the cure a reality – for me and thousands of others who want to live without this disease!

I became involved with JDRF after my daughter Anna was diagnosed with diabetes in 1992. In 1996, I began assisting JDRF with Government Affairs, making visits to the Mississippi Congressional Delegation. In 1998, a small group of parents and friends organized the JDRF Mississippi Chapter, with encouragement from JDRF International.

We organized the first Mississippi Walk to Cure Diabetes that year, and began the Monopoly Gala in 2000. It was lots of hard work, but lots of fun too. I would do it again in a minute.

I am convinced that JDRF is a dedicated and very efficient steward of our time and our contributions. I am certain that JDRF will be the reason that a cure is found! I am so grateful for this organization and so proud of the incredible growth our chapter has seen.