JDRF Northwest Chapter Programs
The NW Chapter of JDRF supports it's mission via three main components. Outreach, government relations and fundraising efforts to support research.
The Outreach Department at the NW Chapter is tasked with providing support for the T1D community. This involves supporting, engaging and educating the newly diagnosed, T1D adults & teens, and hospital organizations alike. The main programs within Outreach are the Bag of Hope, the Mentor Program and the 8th Annual T1D Global Path to a Cure Symposium.
Government Relations Advocacy in the NW Chapter is looked at as being a model for success. It’s current efforts include the Promise to Remember me Campaign where local advocates meet with congress men and women to tell their story of living with T1D. The efforts of the Government Relations and Advocacy committee ensure that government funding will continue for T1D research.
The 31st Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes is a fundraiser for the NW Chapter of JDRF. The event consists of an 8k Run and Wheelchair Race, 4-Mile Walk, 1-Mile Fun Run, and Diaper Derby for toddlers. The event is called Beat the Bridge because the University Bridge is raised during the race and the goal is to BEAT the raising of the bridge. Have no fear, if participants don't beat the bridge, there is a band and prizes for those who get caught. After a few minutes, the bridge goes back down, allowing everyone to finish. Beat the Bridge is part of The Walk to Cure Diabetes, an annual walkathon held in more than 200 locations in 13 countries to benefit JDRF.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
The JDRF NW Chapter is proud to say that it has reached it's 31st year in partnering with Nordstrom on the Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes Event. This run, walk, diaper dash has become one of the premier events of it's kind in the country and has raised nearly 10 million dollars over the course of it's 30 years. This year the event will take place on May 19th, with the goal of raising $1.5 million dollars and 10,000 participants.
A child spends most of his/her day in a school setting, under the care of teachers, nurses, and other school personnel. The day-to-day disease management required for a child with T1D can be intensive, and the school must play an important role in this care. Effective diabetes management at school can promote a healthy, productive learning environment for students with diabetes, reduce the number of absences of students with diabetes, and help ensure an effective response in case of a diabetes-related emergency. Including a child's school environment as part of his/her diabetes care team can make all the difference for a child with T1D and their family, ensuring that they will be safe and cared for by prepared individuals while away from home. The NW Chapter would like to assist schools in training and educating staff about T1D by providing programs. In addition, the NW Chapter would like to extend that training and education to parents so that they understand how to better communicate and prepare their child for school.