Recently JDRF announced that it was giving money for a Johnson and Johnson artificial pancreas research project. The other day I also noticed that they were involved in another research project with BD. I will readily admit that I have had very little to do with the JDRF since my son’s diagnosis. They are virtually non-existent in my area. I subscribe to some of their initiatives and occasionally follow some of what is being done but I am not involved with them regarding any fundraising or support.
The people that I have seen supporting them however have been very diligent. Families who create walk teams seem to go to great lengths to fundraise and let everyone know that they are “Walking for a Cure”. I therefore began to wonder how these same people felt about their “cure” money going towards diabetes tools research. Don’t get me wrong, tools are what keep my son alive. The great advances in tools are vital to me until that day comes when he or others living with type 1 diabetes can be cured. I spend a lot of time advocating to get these tools in the hands of all people living with diabetes so I am definitely in support of this sort of research. My question however, was for those who had “walked for a cure” and now saw their dollars going towards treatment.
Organizations like the Diabetes Associations openly state that money raised for them goes into a variety of pots including research and development. The JDRF website states that its "mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. " For many that sort of a statement would suggest that a cure is its only focus. People that I have spoken with have been rather taken aback by these announcements. Some feel very betrayed while others are shocked but accepting. Many living with diabetes feel that they can still support this and feel that it is okay for them to spread their focus to living with diabetes and well as working towards a cure. Still others are sitting back scratching their heads. These people are not so sure that this is where they want their money and efforts to go any longer. Sadly there are many other organizations that would gladly accept their support.
I have no idea if this public support for techonologically based research will cost the JDRF any support or not. I am happy to see any advances that will keep my child alive, healthy and happy until that day when someone does finally discover that cure.