Category: Uncategorized

November 22, 2019

Geoff Beattie has been a devoted JDRF volunteer and active fundraiser since 2004 when his daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Currently serving as cabinet co-chair for the In Our Lifetime Campaign for Central Canada, Geoff shares his story on how the chronic illness inspired his involvement with JDRF and changed his outlook on life.

Our daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) when she was four years old. Like any parent would be, I was devastated and also struck with a sense of injustice: Why did this happen to our daughter? Why does she have to live with type 1?

Her doctor at the time was compassionate and also wise. “Why not her?” he asked us gently. “Whose children do you think get diabetes?”

It was a life-changing moment. Because of course, all our children can. And for us, at that moment and beyond, self-pity would not be part of the equation. Instead, with the expert care and cutting-edge science we were so fortunate to have, we became very pragmatic. She would live with type 1, but it would not define her. And while it would still be cause for some anxious moments (picture sneaking in and taking a blood sample while your seven-year-old daughter is asleep at a slumber party), she was able to flourish while managing a condition that would never hold her back.

I was struck then, and many times since, by how fortunate we are. At another time and place the diagnosis would have meant a very different outcome. It is still the case for too many, in too many places, that T1D is a devastating diagnosis. And it was in part that realization that spurred me to become involved with JDRF. It is obviously very personal to me, but the idea that I could have an impact on something that could be so meaningful – not just to my family, but also to society – gave me a great sense of hope and motivation.

I am a strong believer in supporting those with the knowledge and passion to solve big problems. As a businessman and a long-time trustee of the University Health Network in Toronto, I know just how rich our pool of expertise is, and what opportunity we have in Canada to make cutting-edge advances. Our health care system is constantly evolving and benefitting from new research. To offer financial support is the easiest part of the equation. When you invest your time as well as your money supporting a cause, you start to create a landscape where more options, more ideas and more understanding exists. You keep working away at it, drawing motivation from the progress the organization is making in order to fuel yourself and your continued commitment, and hopefully over a reasonable period of time substantial progress is achieved.

When it comes to diabetes, the search for a cure can feel slow. But I focus on the progress of the last 20 years, and know that as the pace of understanding grows, a cure may well be within sight. Meanwhile new fields of research are converging to create unprecedented potential for breakthroughs. The field of genomics is only just beginning to yield its fruit, which will be an incredible source of information and scientific advancements in the decades ahead. Wrap in new tools around data analysis and research and it is easy to feel optimistic.

For me, philanthropy has to be about engagement. I want to be connected to an issue and to the people I’m supporting, because it acts as a two-way street. Money is important – essential to research – but a system of financial support only grows with awareness. There are, of course, financial arguments for working on a goal like this. A cure for a disease has a multiplier effect on society. It frees up resources and people, allowing their attention to focus on the next problem. And we know that advances in research in one field of study have a cross-over benefit to others. It’s an exciting time for medical research, and especially for this illness. But financial arguments are only one part of the puzzle. Our shared responsibility – to each other and to support advances that benefit all of mankind – can never be forgotten. I believe that none of us can have the life we aspire to unless we share some of that with everyone. When you ask others to support a cause, it has to start from a fundamental place of belief. 

I feel grateful to be able to support JDRF. And I am still humbled by the message from that doctor almost 20 years ago. Why me? Why not me? is the answer.

We are connected by our frailty as much as by our strength. And while disease can be indiscriminate – knowing no boundaries – our personal geography is not. We are lucky to live here, in this place, at this time in history. And if it has created any advantage at all, I truly believe we have a responsibility to honour that luck by sharing our good fortune in whatever small way we can.

Our daughter is a happy, healthy young woman with the world at her feet. She is not defined by any one thing – she is many things. I want that option for every young person diagnosed with T1D. And I want it for every parent of those children, too. I support JDRF to help make that dream a reality.

Sponsored Content by Dex4

The holidays are right around the corner, which means family gatherings and parties complete with great food, alcohol, and eating at random times.  It is also a time when we are running around with last minute shopping, long car drives, and sleeping too little.  Needless to say, managing blood glucose levels can be tricky. 

People tend to eat larger servings of sweet or fatty foods, drink more alcohol, as well as engage in more activities.  For these reasons, blood sugar levels can be harder to control. 

Low blood sugar can be caused by the following¹:

• Not following your meal plan like skipping or delaying a meal
• Too much exercise or exercising for a long time without eating a snack or adjusting insulin before exercise
• Too much medication or a change in the time taking your medication
• Stress
• Alcohol intake, especially without food

It is important always to BE PREPARED!

If you feel any of the warning signs of low blood glucose, test immediately, and in the event that you do not have a blood glucose meter, treat right away.

Eat or drink fast-acting sugar such as¹:

• 15 grams of Dex4 glucose tablets (4), gel, or liquiblast (this is fast-acting and pre-measured)
• 3 teaspoons or 3 packets of table sugar dissolved in 15 ml water
• 3/4 cup of juice or regular soft drink (non diet)
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Afterwards, wait 15 minutes and then check your blood glucose again. If your glucose is still below 4 mmol/L, try one of the above methods again, and do another glucose test. If your next meal is more than one hour away, have a snack with both carbohydrates and protein. If you keep having periods of hypoglycemia, talk to your healthcare professional about ways to keep your blood glucose more in check.

As low blood sugar can happen at anytime, it is important to be prepared.  Dex4 Glucose products help raise glucose levels FAST. 

Dex4 Glucose products are:

• Fast-acting
• Pre-measured so you know exactly how much glucose you are consuming
• Fat-Free
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• Great tasting and come in a variety of flavours and formats

^{1 Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Canadian Diabetes Association 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada. Can J Diabetes 2013;37(suppl 1):S1-S212.}

Disclaimer:
Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

November 25, 2019

The death of beta cells results from an autoimmune attack that is characteristic of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), complications, and even unawareness among people with a severe form of the disease.

Sernova Corp., a regenerative medicine company based in London, ON., has shown in its JDRF-funded clinical trial that its cell replacement therapy, Cell Pouch^TM, can restore insulin production among people living with T1D.

An alternative to drugs, the Cell Pouch^TM system involves an implantable medical device that forms a highly vascularized environment in the body for the housing, function, and long-term survival of therapeutic cells, which release proteins or hormones to treat chronic diseases like T1D.

The detection of C-peptide, a biomarker of insulin production, in the bloodstream of the trial’s first patient is another important success in the field of beta cell replacement therapy – a strategy which aims to replace lost or damaged beta cells with insulin-producing beta cells in people with the disease. Supporting this area of research is also one of JDRF’s most critical undertakings, with an investment of more than $140 million to date.

JDRF is funding Sernova Corp.’s phase I/II clinical trial in participants with T1D and hypoglycemia unawareness based in Chicago, IL., USA. For more information on this study, please visit the clinical trials registry. For more details on recruitment and enrollment, please click here.

Beta cell replacement therapies aim to provide insulin on demand from cells implanted in the body and have the potential to eliminate insulin therapy and liberate people from the burdens of managing T1D for months or even years at a time. The shortage of donor beta cells and the need for strong immunosuppressive drugs, however, make beta cell transplantation an impractical solution for most people.

JDRF is heeding the call, advancing beta cell replacement technologies that can restore glucose control and deliver long-term insulin independence, without suppressing the body’s immune system and the ability to fight infections. Sernova Corp. is moving another step forward in the development of its Cell Pouch^TM and the technology will hopefully be approved in the coming years.

November 6, 2019

Type 1 diabetes became a part of Danny Miller’s family’s life just 18 months ago when his son, Cody, was diagnosed.

“My wife is a trained pediatrician, so she saw some signs,” he remembers. “She believed he could have type 1 diabetes, so she took him to the ER and that’s when Cody got diagnosed. There were lots of tears and challenges, but she and I, and Cody especially, reacted really well and rose to those challenges.”

As the Millers began to learn more about type 1 diabetes, they turned to JDRF. “I think we ordered the Bag of Hope the first day after his diagnosis. There was an issue with fulfillment, so a JDRF staff member actually delivered it to our house. Cody was in tears when he saw Rufus, the bear with diabetes. He started giving him his injections right away and today, almost 18 months later, he’s still snuggling with Rufus in bed.”

Type 1 diabetes has been a big adjustment for the Millers, but like all families affected by this disease, they had to quickly adapt, and now, 18 months later, they’re committed to doing everything they can to prevent Cody from experiencing future complications associated with the disease.

“We need to support T1D research in order to find a cure. We’re so close,” says Danny. “There are all sorts of exciting research programs happening, especially here in Canada, from stem cells to the artificial pancreas.”

Thanks to the Miller family’s generous support, all donations to JDRF between November 1^st and November 30^th will be matched up to $40,000. Donate today and every dollar of your gift will be matched.

Danny truly believes that because of the support of JDRF and the entire T1D community, a future without type 1 diabetes has never been closer. For him, “a cure to me and my family would mean back to normal. It would be incredible.”

Thank you for supporting a future free of type 1 diabetes this National Diabetes Awareness Month!

To learn more about National Diabetes Awareness month, and to hear more Dear Type 1™ stories, go to jdrf.ca/deartype1.

November 4, 2019

People living with diabetes are predisposed to several different complications given their fluctuating glucose levels, which can lead to stress on their organs. When it comes to cardiovascular problems, the extra risk conferred by having type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be greater in women than men.

Heart failure is a common, but often underappreciated cardiovascular complication of T1D. According to a paper recently published in the European peer-reviewed scientific journal, Diabetologia, T1D was associated with a 47% increased excess risk of heart failure in women compared with men.

After reviewing 14 related studies published between January 1966 and November 2018 that included over 12 million people and 253,260 cases of heart failure, researchers noted that women with T1D or type 2 diabetes had a higher excess risk than men, although that presented by T1D was greater than type 2 diabetes (47% vs 9%).

Among several explanations is that diabetes confers a much better chance of developing coronary heart disease – a cause of heart failure – among females. In addition, some studies have found that women are undertreated for glycemic control or management of cardiovascular risk factors compared to men.

Further research is needed to explain the reason for the difference between the sexes, particularly since the data analyzed in this study were limited to what was found in the previously published studies and did not include information on the duration of each person’s diabetes.

Healthcare professionals recommend that all people with diabetes practice a healthy, active lifestyle wherever possible in order to lower their risk of cardiovascular complications including heart failure.

JDRF is committed to funding research that helps people with T1D live longer, healthier and safer lives until cures are found. The studies in this area strive to advance drugs and devices that improve glycemic control, reduce the risk of complications, and enhance mental health aspects of T1D.

For more information on JDRF-funded research that focuses on bettering lives, click here.

For more informative articles on health and type 1 diabetes, visit our JDRF Blog. 

October 31, 2019

Carol and Larry Hagan are strong believers in giving back to the community.

As parents of two children – one of whom has a chronic illness – and JDRF supporters for more than two decades, getting involved to help make a difference has always been the Vancouver couple’s motto.

In 1996, their son, Thomas, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of six. Although the news was devastating and forced the family to adapt to the demands of a relentless condition, the Hagans remained focused and devoted much effort to ensuring that their active son continued to play sports and build resilience in spite of his daily challenges.

After seeing a JDRF poster in the window of her neighbourhood pharmacy a few months later, Carol’s interest was piqued and she reached out to the organization’s national office in Toronto to inquire about volunteering. JDRF did not have a Vancouver chapter at the time, but Carol decided to lend a hand after the new office opened its doors in the province. Soon she was busily engaged in marketing, whereby she was in regular contact with local corporations and hospitals to raise awareness for JDRF. As well, Carol also founded a support group for families of children with T1D.

“Getting involved allowed me to meet and receive support from other people who not only understood what life with a chronic illness is, but also how frightening it can be,” relates Carol. “As parents, we helped each other both emotionally and practically, and often provided a much-needed break to one another.”

Throughout their journey with T1D, the Hagans became steadfast in their commitment to finding a cure for the disease. Rallying both loved ones and friends, they recruited numerous families for JDRF’s annual Walk while personally fundraising for the cause. Carol also played a key role in the Vancouver chapter’s annual gala. When the idea of a formal social event was put forward in 2000, the Rockin’ for Research Gala was born, with $65,000 raised for JDRF. Carol then went on to accept a voluntary position with the organizing committee where she oversaw every detail of the planning and headed the gala’s live and silent auctions.

Today, the Hagans are members of JDRF’s BETA’s Society. They also use flow-through shares as a giving vehicle, which allows them to better support JDRF while simultaneously promoting the Canadian resource sector. This type of financing is a seamless, easy and efficient turnkey service that lowers major gift donors’ after-tax cost of donation without market risk.

Asked what continues to inspire their incredible generosity, both husband and wife agree that JDRF represents hope for a future without T1D.

“We know that it is funding some of the best diabetes research in the world and is extremely committed to bringing industry and government together to get the maximum return on investment,” says Carol. “A cure would mean a dream come true and has been our goal since we first got involved (with JDRF).”

In the meantime, the couple encourages everyone to do what they can to support the charity.

“We have always tried to be role models in our city,” Carol says. “Every gesture – be it big or small – is cumulative and can bring us closer to finding a cure.”

Adds Larry, “We have been very fortunate to have been able to help JDRF. Our involvement has made us more grateful for our health and more sensitive to people’s different afflictions. It also showed our kids that if you have a problem, you get involved and help solve it.”

For more informative articles on health and type 1 diabetes, visit our JDRF Blog.

October 30, 2019

Canadians went to the polls on October 21^st and in what was a surprisingly close election, chose a  Liberal government to continue their mandate.

During this time, our federal election campaign #VoteTypeNone gave candidates of all political stripes an opportunity to express their support for Canadians affected by type 1 diabetes on social media.

 

Our Nova Scotia dream team, Mikaila Stoddart, Kathy White and Amanda Williams spent five weeks during  September and October travelling to candidates’ offices, phoning campaign managers to educate them about #VoteTypeNone, encouraging candidates to hear their stories and post a photo of support on social media. They were incredibly effective and managed to hit 100% of the ridings in their province.

 

A one-man show in PEI, Brooks Roche also managed to hit 100% of his targets. Brooks, who is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, persevered by attending several all-candidate debates and snapping group photos of candidates coming together to support the T1D community.

Nationally, the #VoteTypeNone campaign saw great success:

• JDRF advocates mobilized to take part, speak to their local candidates and have their voices heard during a significant election. Our volunteers who participated are the backbone of this campaign’s success!
• We raised awareness and educated candidates around the challenges that come with type 1 diabetes. Over 100 candidates across the country demonstrated their support by holding up a sign that read “I ❤ Canadians touched by type 1 diabetes” including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the federal leader of the NDP, Jagmeet Singh.
• We identified 40 key champions that have now been elected into the House of Commons to be instrumental in moving the T1D community’s advocacy priorities forward.

Thank you to all of the #VoteTypeNone advocates and candidates who participated and congratulations to the incoming Members of Parliament. We look forward to working with the elected officials from all parties to raise the profile of the many issues that the type 1 community faces.

 

October 28, 2019 

Since launching in March 2019, thousands of people from across Canada have been rallying behind the Access for All campaign and demanding affordable and accessible coverage of advanced glucose monitors.

In just seven months, you have made incredible progress! Here’s a roundup of what you’ve helped accomplish:

 

Device Coverage Wins

The Governments of Ontario and Quebec announced coverage of flash glucose monitors (FGMs) – a great step toward complete access to affordable technologies. Advocacy efforts are continuing to build off of this momentum by asking for continuous glucose monitor (CGM) coverage, as well as coverage of these devices in other provinces and territories.

 

Discussions with elected officials

Over 200 supporters, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners, discussed innovations and breakthrough technologies directly with elected officials at 5 Community Forums throughout Ontario.

 T1D advocates along with JDRF advocacy team members have undertaken over 20 key meetings with elected officials and senior policy makers, including the Minister of Health and Executive Director of Policy in the Ontario Premier’s office. The goal of these meetings was to educate decision makers about the health, economic, and quality of life benefits of funding CGMs in Ontario. As a result, we were able to raise awareness of this issue amongst key decision makers and have been met with great support and enthusiasm.

What’s next?

In the last seven months there have been over 700 online actions taken, and over 2,000 signatures on the petition in support of the Access for All campaign (WOW!) to encourage funding for advanced glucose monitoring technologies, which will be presented when the House of Commons returns.

 

But this campaign is just getting started and there is so much left to accomplish! With the federal election wrapping up just last week, now is the best time to tell your newly elected MP why they should support affordable access to devices, or remind your re-elected MP how they can fight for your interests – meet, write, call your MP today and help us get #AccessForAll.

 

September 25, 2019

 

 

On September 24, 2019 we announced an exciting new alliance with Beyond Type 1, aimed at getting more information, more resources and more support to our type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. 

This is an innovative partnership, based on a shared objective of supporting the people and families impacted by T1D with accelerated Research, Advocacy and Community Engagement.  

JDRF brings to the Alliance, Research expertise, as well as a respected and trusted Advocacy voice, and a solid, supportive network of Community Engagement resources and programs.  

Beyond Type 1 reaches more than 1 million people with personal story telling, online programs and outreach. 

By working together, we know that we can do more, better, faster, more efficiently to:   

• Engage more T1D community members by leveraging and developing mutual materials and programs with increased efficiency and impact 
• Accelerate research support and advocacy efforts by better engaging and educating the T1D community  
• Increase the diversity of the T1D Community we are reaching through new, joint outreach efforts 

“Collaboration is often just a buzzword,” said David Panzirer, a Trustee at the Helmsley Charitable Trust.  

“Today, this joining of forces is both a meaningful and powerful advance for the T1D community as two leading organizations forge a true partnership that plays to their respective strengths and increases their ability to focus on what each does best.”  

We agree. And we look forward to sharing updates on how this alliance is helping us to do more for everyone JDRF supports.  

Read the full media release here.   

September 25, 2019

 

Written by: Rylee Hauger, lives with type 1 diabetes

I wake up to my alarm going off. I roll over and check my phone, “12:00 am blood sugar test,” I sigh and grab my test kit. Just another day in the life.  After pricking my finger, I watch the blood fill the test strip, awaiting the infamous countdown that appears on the screen. I feel fine, I don’t feel high nor low; I say a silent prayer that my blood sugar will read in range. “5.6” reads the tiny screen, “Thank goodness.” I whisper to myself before pulling the blankets back over me and falling back asleep. My blood sugar is fine, I’ll test again in the morning before school.

 I wake up again, this time not to my alarm. My bed sheets are soaked in sweat, my hands are shaking, and I feel a familiar pit in my stomach. I know what is coming as I get out of bed to grab my test kit for the second time tonight. “2.9” reads the stupid screen. I want to throw it against the wall. How am I low? I was fine 3 hours ago when I last tested. I grab a snack and treat my low. I wait fifteen minutes before testing again, “3.1” the meter tells me. I roll my eyes and go grab another snack before returning to my room to complete it and wait this hypoglycemic out. I just want to go to bed. It is now just about four in the morning and my blood sugar has finally risen enough that I feel fine to go back to bed.

I get out of bed after pressing snooze twice. It is now quarter to eight and I need to get ready for school. Once I am up and out of bed something doesn’t feel right. I run to my messy bathroom and empty last night’s dinner into the toilet. I know what this means. After getting myself cleaned up I walk out of the washroom and back into my bedroom where I test my blood sugar. “19.1” I slam the meter onto the floor. I feel like crying. After I give myself a few units of insulin I return to my morning routine then head out the door. Considering this morning’s events and the fact that I shouldn’t have been driving with blood sugar like that, I’m surprised that I made it to school in a timely manner. I grab my books and head to my first class feeling like today is going to suck. “You look like hell,” laughs my best friend Tessa.

“Don’t even start.” I warn her, meaning it.  “What’s wrong Remy?” she asks sincerely. “I was low all night then woke up crazy high this morning.” “You poor thing, anything I can do?” Tessa is the most caring person I have ever met; I wish I could be more like her. “Oh, just trade me pancreas’ please?”. “You know I would if I could Rem.” I know she means this.

I barely make it out of my first class without falling asleep. It isn’t overly boring, I am just so exhausted from last night. I get through the rest of my school day, just one more class, and I am on my way home. I make it home around noon. My blood sugar is fine, so I make and eat lunch. I have volleyball practice tonight at 7pm so I have a few hours to relax before I must leave.

Once I arrive at practice, I put my shoes and knee pads on, then test my blood sugar one last time before I start. “12.9” my device tells me. “Okay that’s not bad, I am a little high, but I’ll be sure to give myself a little extra insulin and just work extra hard.” I quietly tell myself.

Practice starts and goes by smoothly; my coach tells us to go grab some water, so I take that as a chance to test my blood sugar again. “2.7”. Today has been a rollercoaster. I had been doing so well lately too and it is so defeating to have a day like this when you think things have been going well. “Hey Coach, I’m a little low I need to sit out for a few minutes.” I tell him.

“Yeah, whatever, okay sit down.” He dismisses me rudely.

I react to his comment by doing as I am told. Crap, they are about to do “ten up” as my coach likes to call it, the most physically draining drill you could imagine. I know what this looks like, “I cannot believe that Remy gets to sit out for this just because she has diabetes,” I hear Emily whisper. “I know,” starts Sasha with an eye roll, “so convenient, hey? We start conditioning and she is suddenly low? Sounds like a load to me, I’m sure she is just faking.” Ouch, that one hurt. I miss the whole drill but can finish the last forty minutes of practice.

On my drive home from practice I cannot help but start to tear up. Today has got to be one for the books. As if I didn’t have a horrible enough time last night, the day didn’t get any better and the comments from my peers are as worse as ever. As I pull up onto my driveway, I slam my hands on my steering wheel, setting off the horn and possibly waking up my neighbours. I couldn’t care less,I have had a horrible day and just want to give up. “Why me?” I yell looking up at the sky through my sunroof as if I’m asking God. I pull myself together, walk up the steps to my front door, and as I enter the house I am faced by my mother. Her features soften as she can tell I’ve been crying, “What’s going on? How was practice?”.

“How was practice?” I scoff. “Practice was a walk in the park compared to the day I’ve had.”

I recount the day I’ve had and tell her truthfully about every detail,

“Why didn’t you tell me any of this earlier Rem? I would’ve done anything I could’ve to help,” she asks me. “I just didn’t want you to have to worry about your silly diabetic daughter being dramatic,” I say with a strained voice. “Rem,” she starts quietly “You’re not my diabetic daughter.” she tells me using air quotations over the nickname. “What do you mean? Yes, I am,” I challenge.

“You don’t get it do you?” she asks, and I shake my head. “You have diabetes, you aren’t diabetes.” she tells me.

 “You’re not my diabetic daughter” she tells me. “You are my strong, and brave and passionate daughter, diabetes is a part of your story Rem, it isn’t your identity.” she says calmly.

 “What I am trying to say is that your story is not your identity. Your story is what adds to your identity, it helps build it. For you Rem, your story is that you’re currently a teenage girl with type 1 diabetes. But that’s not who you are. You are strong, funny, clever, and beautiful,” she responds.

“I guess, but it is just so hard to go through this. When I am not thinking about all of the high school stress I am going through I am thinking about the fact that I am always going to be the odd man out because of this disease,” I cry. “It’s hard to go out and have a normal teenage life when I always have needles and an apple juice in my back pocket. I wasn’t allowed to have sleepovers with my friends until I was 12 and knew how to administer shots myself, I can’t go out and party with my friends because what if something happens and nobody knows how to handle it? I have an increased chance of going blind or having depression. Hell Mom, I know I am going to die before all of my friends.”

“I know that it is hard, and I cannot begin to imagine what that feels like. But everybody goes through something in their life. This is just what you have to face. I know it’s hard and can be unbearable, but I also know that you are so strong. Take things one day at a time, celebrate the good days and don’t hang your head on the bad ones. You can let this get to you, or you can battle through this and live your life. I cannot make you do anything, but just listen to me when I tell you that there is more to you than this disease,” she tells me with tears in her eyes.

I go to bed that night, feeling better. I need to change my attitude – I know that the bad days suck, but I need to move one day at a time. I fall asleep that night with my head high. I know that I will be okay.

I wake up to my alarm ringing, “12:00 am blood sugar test.” I roll my eyes, “Here we go again.” I chuckle lightly to myself.

September 25, 2019

“Our story is the story of parents fighting for their kids.”
Jimmy Garfinkle

In 1971 and 1973, Krayna Golfman and Mitch Garfinkle’s lives changed dramatically when their sons, David and Jimmy, were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Along with other families living with the disease, they embarked on a lifelong mission to find a cure. Thus began the journey that led to the founding of JDRF Canada.

Twenty-three years later, T1D knocked at their door once again. This time, the Garfinkle’s nine-year-old grandson, Alex, learned he had the disease. The news was devastating, and they could not bear the thought of Alex going through life with this challenging health condition they knew only too well. History was repeating itself and the Garfinkle Family rallied to protect him from this relentless disease. This was the catalyst that energized the family and renewed their leadership as stalwart champions of JDRF.

Through the years, the unwavering commitment of The Garfinkle Family helped JDRF push the boundaries and make incredible progress. Among their significant contributions, Jimmy, David and business partner, Irving Granovsky, were the first to support JDRF’s In Our Lifetime campaign in Eastern Canada, with Jimmy serving as head of the campaign.

As the campaign draws to a close, the family is choosing once again to lead by example through a transformational gift that will cover the costs from September to December. In doing so, they will allow us to direct 100% of all gifts to JDRF’s mission. This extraordinary gesture undoubtedly builds on the Garfinkle Family’s legacy as a JDRF trailblazer devoted to creating a world without T1D.

Thank you for your tremendous generosity, Jimmy and family! We are so grateful for your lifetime contribution to JDRF.

Sponsored Content by Sanofi

 

"Just because my pancreas is faulty, doesn’t mean my taste buds are," observes Paula, a Toronto Health healthcare professional living with type 1 diabetes. "Sometimes I’ll be walking down the sidewalk with no intention of straying from my normal diet only to get attacked by warm whiffs of freshly baked bread that escape from the bakery and convince me to enter."

Paula is taking a long-acting and a rapid-acting insulin. As her situation illustrates, using a rapid-acting insulin with a broad administration window can have important practical benefits. The rapid-acting insulin that Paula is taking  can be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.  This flexibility gives Paula greater confidence that she can inject her insulin on her own schedule rather than having her diabetes and its treatment dictating her schedule.

Paula says that this flexibility for timing the dosing around meals has helped her out on many occasions. "Like anyone else, my day can be reshuffled so that I only have the next 30 minutes to eat my lunch. Or sometimes my lunch order doesn’t come as quickly as anticipated," Paula says. "Or maybe my friends are in the area and want to go for a walk—or a dessert. Having a larger window of time to take my insulin makes it easier to go with the flow and gives me flexibility in when to inject my insulin."  Since I’m able to inject before or after a meal, I am more confident to be more spontaneous in terms of activities with my friends or family."

"Diabetes is part of my life, and I’ve made many adjustments to manage my blood sugar," Paula says. "When you get it all figured out, it becomes part of the routine. My whole life doesn’t revolve around the disease."