NEW ORLEANS — Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, recognizes Diabetes Awareness Month by raising awareness, celebrating the T1D community, and highlighting Breakthrough T1D-funded research with its annual “FORWARD” campaign.
“For more than 50 years, Breakthrough T1D has played a pivotal role in nearly every major T1D breakthrough in history, and we continue to invest in the most promising research, advance treatments, influence policy, and improve access to care for those who need it,” said Aaron Kowalski, PhD, Breakthrough T1D CEO. “This Diabetes Awareness Month, we celebrate the progress we’ve made and the progress that’s to come in our collective pursuit to make everyday life with T1D better while driving toward cures.”
This year, on Nov. 15th at Lafreniere Park in front of the Al Copeland Music Center, more than 1,000 people will come together to attend the Breakthrough T1D Louisiana Walk to celebrate all of those living with type 1 diabetes. The goal is to raise more than $200,000 for type 1 diabetes research and we only have $7,000 more to fundraise to reach this goal. This walk is presented by James P. Raymond, Jr. Foundation and 98.1 The Murphy, Sam & Jodi Show with iHeart Media. The walk emphasizes T1D awareness, education, and community support. It will feature a DJ, a Kid’s Zone, Advocacy and New Family tents, gumbo and jambalaya cooked by BOH Bros and EVCO, and much more.
“This month, we celebrate the breakthroughs of the Louisiana T1D community,” said Executive Director Jill Joffrion. “We pledge to continue driving forward together on our path toward cures for T1D and we are so grateful to our sponsors and passionate families for supporting our mission.”
The community is encouraged to join Breakthrough T1D throughout November to raise awareness of T1D and support those affected by the disease. To learn more about Breakthrough T1D, and the Louisiana Walk, visit https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=9764&pg=entry.
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with the government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.