Welcome to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Northwest Chapter

We are committed to funding the world’s best research to cure type 1 diabetes and its complications. We serve people in Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest diabetes resources.

News Highlights

Obama Administration to Appeal Stem Cell Research Block

The US Justice Department announced plans to appeal a federal district court judge's decision on Aug. 23 to block federal funding for stem cell research, preventing the National Institutes of Health from supporting embryonic stem cell research projects.

JDRF Focuses on Faster-Acting Insulin

JDRF is launching a research program to speed the development of faster-acting insulin by funding scientists to test new insulin formulations and delivery systems.

Free Mobile App. Simplifies Carb. Counting for Kids

Medtronic has created the Lenny the Lion Carb. Counting free application for the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch to teach this essential skill in a fun, easy way.

JDRF Global Research Round Up

A nanoparticle vaccine that cures and prevents diabetes in mice? Optimized antibody therapy for the newly diagnosed? Read all about it and more in the latest newsletter covering JDRF-funded research developments around the world.

American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox Visits White House with JDRF

Between stops on the “American Idol Live” tour, the 24-year-old singing sensation with type 1 asked the administration to renew the Special Diabetes Program during a visit to Washington DC. Bowersox, who was diagnosed at six, also made this entertaining video (on JDRF’s home page) during her visit.

Sign the SDP Petition to Speed Diabetes Progress

JDRF is gathering support from people across the country for renewed funding of the Special Diabetes Program. Sign this petition for members of Congress, tell your story of living with diabetes, and share the link (http://bit.ly/9wQh0b) with family and friends. Sign up here to become a volunteer advocate or text 'ACTION' to 37420. E-mail advocacy@jdrf.org with any questions.

Apply on Facebook in Aug. for Automatic Children’s Congress Spot!

Thousands of kids have applied, but only 150 are selected as delegates for each JDRF Children’s Congress. Increase your chances of attending by applying on Facebook in August. One application will be randomly selected to by-pass the review process and immediately be awarded an invitation to Children’s Congress in June 2011. E-mail advocacy@jdrf.org for more details.

Get Mariners' Discounted Tickets for Aug. 10 Diabetes Awareness Night Game

Buy your tickets today for the Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics game on Tuesday, Aug. 10. You'll get reduced ticket prices, a free Diabetes Awareness Night t-shirt - and the JDRF Northwest Chapter will receive $7 from every ticket purchased. Gather your friends to root for the M's, and root for a cure! Tickets must be purchased by noon on Aug. 9.

Back-to-School Resources for Elementary to College Students

Use this list of resources for parents, students, and school personnel to ease the transition back to school. You'll find an educational toolkit for school staff, forms and emergency checklists, access to free diabetes education for school and children's club/activity staff, and articles that help students deal with diabetes at every age and stage.

Follow JDRF Northwest Chapter on Facebook

JDRF Northwest Chapter is now on Facebook! Follow us to learn all the latest news on type 1 diabetes research and treatments and events and activities in our local area.

Olympic Champion and T1 Advocate Supports JDRF

Three-time Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. recently relocated to Seattle to start a new career and is already a familiar face at JDRF Northwest. He attended Beat the Bridge in May, and testified before Congress on July 1 in support of renewal of the Special Diabetes Program. Read a Q & A with this talented, generous swimming and type 1 champion.

Kids – Apply Now for Children’s Congress 2011!

Every other year, child representatives from every state descend on Washington D.C. to meet with legislators and ask for pledges of continued support for diabetes legislation and funding. Apply now through October 4 for Children’s Congress 2011.

Win a Chance to Meet Nick Jonas and a Donation for JDRF

Children ages 6 years and up can enter Nick Jonas’ "Give Back. Simply Win." contest to win a chance to meet Nick and have $5,000 donated to the charity of your choice! Answer three simple essay questions about the difference you’re making in your community, and submit your entry by August 5.

JDRF and ADA Co-Host Artificial Pancreas Update

JDRF was asked to co-host a special symposium on the dramatic achievements made in automating diabetes control at the annual American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions. The artificial pancreas holds great promise for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Just for KIDS

JDRF Kids Online features pen pals, stories, and much more for children with type 1 diabetes.

Connect to the Juvenation Online Community

Join Juvenation, a social network for people with type 1 diabetes (age 13 or older) created by JDRF. Post messages or videos about being a teen with type 1, diabetic eating disorders, raising kids with type 1 diabetes, adult diagnoses, and more

Sanofi-aventis and JDRF Form Partnership to Work Toward Cure for Type 1 Diabetes

Sanofi-aventis and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced a unique partnership to develop therapeutic treatments for people with type 1 diabetes at different stages of the disease - both those living with the disease and the newly diagnosed - as well as preventing diabetes in those at risk. Toward those goals, the partnership will focus on therapeutics such as immune therapies and beta cell regeneration.

Type 1 Development in Children Linked to Certain Viruses

According to results from a new study released by the American Society for Microbiology, a link appears to exist between certain viruses and the presence of type 1 diabetes in children. Researchers discovered that a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which include the poliovirus, may be a biomarker for the early stages of diabetes.

Diabetes Reaching Epidemic Numbers Worldwide

By 2020, new cases of type 1 diabetes in children younger than 5 are expected to double if current trends continue, according to a study published in The Lancet. The International Diabetes Foundation estimates 246 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes today, and as many as 380 million by 2025. With research focusing on an artificial pancreas, complications therapies, and beta cell therapies, JDRF hopes to reduce the number of people and associated costs of living with diabetes.

JDRF Donors Fund 25% of T1 Research

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has built a strong public-private funding partnership with the government. In FY 2008, private sector funding comprised an impressive 26% of JDRF research, whereas only 8% of heart disease and 3% of cancer research came from private funds. This year, the JDRF Northwest Chapter raised nearly $3 million. And guests at the 2010 JDRF Seattle Guild’s Dream Gala added more than $3 million to the research fund. Thanks to the many generous individuals, organizations, and volunteers who’ve supported us over the years. You are paving the road to a cure.

Nick Jonas Named as JDRF National Walk to Cure Chair

Nick Jonas—one third of the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum group the Jonas Brothers—will chair JDRF’s largest fundraising program. "As a person living day to day with diabetes and recognizing the tremendous contribution JDRF has made to our community, I couldn't be more honored to serve as the National Chair for the Walk to Cure Diabetes," says Jonas, who was diagnosed four years ago. Watch a video message from Nick Jonas, Ray Allen, and others - and sign up for your local walk!

Participants Needed for JDRF - BRI Natural History Study

People with type 1 diabetes, or their family members, are needed to help find the causes of diabetes. Participants give blood samples and a medical history, and receive a small stipend while helping discover the immunology and genetic causes of type 1diabetes. Contact the Diabetes Program at Benaroya Research Institute at 800-888-4187 or diabetes@BenaroyaResearch.org for more details.

New CEO is JDRF Volunteer, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) named Jeffrey Brewer as the new president and chief executive officer in June. He became involved with JDRF in 2002, after his son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. As a JDRF volunteer, Brewer has been particularly involved in leading the organization's Artificial Pancreas Project. Prior to his new role, he was an internet entrepreneur and the chairman of a non-profit that fostered sustainable job and economic growth in African communities.

Singer with Type 1 is ‘American Idol’ Runner Up

Crystal Bowersox, who was diagnosed at age six, was named the finalist of American Idols’ ninth season. Bowersox, 24, who has been involved with JDRF's Walk to Cure, encouraged the public to support JDRF's mission to find a cure for type 1 diabetes throughout the competition.

2009–10 Promise Campaign is a Record Breaker!

The Promise to Remember Me Campaign ended May 1 with a record-setting 410 meetings scheduled or completed with members of Congress around the country. In those meetings, legislators heard first hand from Northwest children and families living with type 1 diabetes about the importance of continuing to fund research. Just as important legislators heard about our exciting progress towards a cure through tangible advances in technology, genetics, and prevention. To get involved as a JDRF government relations advocate, sign up today!