Do you share our need for speed in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research progress? Then vote for one of the 10 finalists in the 2013 Our Everyday Heroes Race Car Design Contest, hosted by Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD). From now until May 28, vote for your favorite JDRF-themed race car design, submitted by a child living with T1D, by making a monetary donation to JDRF. On May 29, 2013, final judging will take place, and the Contest winner will be announced!

The lucky winner will receive the trip of a lifetime to the Route 66 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals in Joliet, IL, to see his or her design painted on the Funny Car driven by Bob Tasca III. Bob will drive the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car at speeds greater than 300 miles per hour during the event June 28 to 30, 2013.

Meet 2012 Our Everyday Heroes winner Libby Ledford

Twelve-year-old Libby Ledford of Stanton, MI, saw her race car design roar to life last summer. Diagnosed with T1D at age eight, Libby comes from a family that “eats, sleeps, and breathes” auto racing. She is an avid drag racer, as are her father, Jeff, and brother, Lane. When the Ledfords learned about the FCSD Race Car Design Contest for JDRF, Libby set to work and submitted a colorful combination of her best ideas. Friends and family voted online by making donations, and Libby’s design won. Her artwork appeared on the NHRA Funny Car, driven by Bob Tasca III at the July race in Norwalk, OH. The 2012 contest raised $24,819 for JDRF, and Libby’s drawing earned $1,915.

Libby Ledford, winner, 2012 Our Everyday Heroes Race Car Design Contest

Libby’s mother, Denise Ledford, says her daughter’s win “felt like it was meant to be.” For Libby, the most exciting moment came when the Tasca team pulled back the cover from the car and revealed her design. “It was amazing how they put exactly what I drew on the car,” Libby says.

The Norwalk race may be over, but the pace of Libby’s life as a sixth grader hasn’t slowed. In addition to drag racing on most summer weekends, Libby plays softball, volleyball, and basketball. Denise says Libby has never let T1D hold her back. “If anything, she is more disciplined and has more energy than any kid I know.”

The Ledfords view the friendships they developed with the team of FCSD, JDRF, and Bob Tasca III as lifelong connections and keep in touch with everyone. Ford Motor Company is JDRF’s largest global partner. Last year, Ford contributed more than $3 million to JDRF. The Race Car Design Contest is just one of the many unique programs that Ford conducts to help fund T1D research and support the JDRF community.

To see your favorite design in action, please vote at fordracecar.jdrf.org.

We hope you had fun too

Click here to view the pictures!

View pictures here!

The workshop took a comprehensive approach to developing an artificial pancreas system and bringing it to market—research scientists presented their latest findings from laboratory work and clinical trials, industry investigators highlighted state-of-the-art advancements in technology, and government officials laid out the challenges to commercialization. Topics included everything from new device designs and approaches to optimize artificial pancreas systems, to improving insulin hormone replacement and ways to accelerate device production.

Roman Hovorka, Ph.D., director of research in the department of pediatrics at the University of Cambridge, shared successful results from a recent outpatient clinical trial of the artificial pancreas system that was used in children and adolescents overnight. Using unsupervised home studies that lasted an average of one week, Dr. Hovorka found that blood-glucose levels remained in healthy targeted ranges and that participants found the technology easy to use.

Arleen Pinkos, scientific reviewer at the FDA, addressed the challenges of making the artificial pancreas commercially available from a regulatory perspective. Pinkos told attendees that the FDA is relying on strong science, expert opinions, and clinical study evidence when reviewing the device. She emphasized that the challenge lies in labeling the device—it has to be easy to understand, with concise yet comprehensive directions. “If the user thoroughly understands the limits of the system, that helps mitigate risk and tips the balance in a favorable direction [for approval],” Pinkos said.

Other key presenters included Boris Kovatchev, Ph.D., from the University of Virginia, who spoke about the mobile platform of the artificial pancreas and how it operates; Kenneth Ward, M.D., senior scientist at Legacy Research Institute, who shared with participants the development of an “intelligent” catheter than combines hormone delivery with glucose sensing; and Steve Prestrelski, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Xeris Pharmaceuticals, who shed light on novel glucagon formulations that are being developed for possible use in artificial pancreas systems.

In total, more than 40 presenters shared key findings in their field with the 175-person-strong audience.

“Incredible progress has been made on developing an artificial pancreas system,” says Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., vice president of treat therapies at JDRF. “The ultimate goal is to get these devices into the hands of people with type 1 diabetes to ease the burden of living with this disease.”

Walk Registration is OPEN!

walk.jdrf.org
Sunday, October 27th
The Domain
Alterra Parkway, Austin, TX, 78758

It is never too early to register for our upcoming Walk and start fundraising!

Volunteer at The One Party

April 26th
Hyatt Lost Pines

Come volunteer at our newest event – The One Party – One day you’re bound to remember and enjoy!
Fill out the form and let us know if you can help us!

Introducing:

The One Party

Friday, April 26th
SOLD OUT

Leave your black tie at home. Austin’s newest springtime event welcomes revelers from across Central Texas to celebrate, network and fundraise for diabetes research. All in the casual, fun atmosphere of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines.
Click here for sponsorship details.

RSVP for the Mentor Mixer

Thursday, April 11
7:00PM-9:00PM
Northwest Hills

Whether you are currently involved in our Mentor Program or want to learn more about how you can help, this evening of networking, support, and fun is for you! While it will primarily be a social evening, we will be discussing a specific topic related to the Mentor Program.

Because of sensitive discussion items, we ask that children do not attend. Light appetizers and drinks will be served.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 9th to Teresa Werner at teresahwerner@gmail.com

Sponsored by Fifty50

‘Betes Buddies South

Wednesday, April 17th
5:30PM-7:00PM
GattiTownAustin
9900 S. IH-35, 78748

Come join us for pizza and games at GattiTown in Southpark Meadows!
$6 for Buffet only
$9 for Buffet and $5 Game Card

‘Betes Buddies is a group that organizes events and outings so school aged kids with type 1 diabetes can get together, feel like part of a group, and play together. It also a time when parents can socialize, find support, and compare notes.

Contact us for more info: betesbuddies@gmail.com
Susana Fletcher (512) 705-2653
facebook.com/betesbuddies

Wine Down & Listen Up

Wednesday, April 24th
6:30PM-8:30PM
The Cooper’s home in Westlake

Preparing for the Teen Years with T1D

Presented by Kate Gose,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

The teen years can be challenging enough without factoring in T1D.  Whether you are mentally preparing for diabetes and the teen years you currently have a teenage with T1D, this social and educational evening is for you! Kate Gose will discuss the developmental stages for adolescents and how that might affect T1D management— information that will equip and empower you as parents!

Light appetizers and drinks provided. Please RSVP to Amy at ahyman@jdrf.org by Monday, April 22^nd.

Ride to Cure Diabetes

Registration is now OPEN!

Register today for the Ride to Cure Diabetes – ride.jdrf.org
For more information click here.

Advanced Diabetes Management Skills Seminar

Saturday, April 20th
9:00AM-4:00PM
Texas Lions Camp, Kerville

Register at www.lionscamp.com
75$ for the entire family, $25 for an individual.
All meals provided.

Hosted by Dr. Steve Ponder at the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, outside San Antonio.
Presenters include Dr. Barbara Anderson from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Barb Schreiner, Nelda Caceres, Meaghan Anderson, and Brant Foster.

The kids can have fun (pool, arts and crafts, outdoor games) while the grown ups learn more. Older teens are welcome to attend the learning sessions. The grandparents and other care providers have a special program to teach hands on diabetes skills and get your questions answered.

News, Blogs and Research

Check out our NEW website!

JDRF Welcomes Novo Nordisk as Official National Sponsor of the Ride to Cure Diabetes

walk.jdrf.org
Sunday, October 27th
The Domain
Alterra Parkway, Austin, TX, 78758

It is never too early to register for our upcoming Walk and start fundraising!

Volunteer Opportunities!

The One Party Volunteers

Come volunteer at our newest event – The One Party – One day you’re bound to remember and enjoy!
Fill out the form and let us know if you can help us!

Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes Volunteers

JDRF Austin is in need of volunteers to help assemble Kids Walk envelopes – this can be done at the JDRF office or at home! To coordinate a time to volunteer or pick up materials please contact Melissa at mray@jdrf.org.

Introducing:

The One Party

Friday, April 26th
SOLD OUT

Leave your black tie at home. Austin’s newest springtime event welcomes revelers from across Central Texas to celebrate, network and fundraise for diabetes research. All in the casual, fun atmosphere of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines.
Click here for sponsorship details.

RSVP for the Mentor Mixer

Thursday, April 11
7:00PM-9:00PM
Northwest Hills

Whether you are currently involved in our Mentor Program or want to learn more about how you can help, this evening of networking, support, and fun is for you! While it will primarily be a social evening, we will be discussing a specific topic related to the Mentor Program.

Because of sensitive discussion items, we ask that children do not attend. Light appetizers and drinks will be served.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 9th to Teresa Werner at teresahwerner@gmail.com

Sponsored by Fifty50

‘Betes Buddies North

Wednesday, April 3rd
6:00PM-8:00PM
Cat Hollow Park
Round Rock, 78681

Come join us for some play time in the park! We’ll have some fun games and activities to help the Buddies burn some energy!

‘Betes Buddies South

Wednesday, April 17th
5:30PM-7:00PM
GattiTownAustin
9900 S. IH-35, 78748

Come join us for pizza and games at GattiTown in Southpark Meadows!
$6 for Buffet only
$9 for Buffet and $5 Game Card

‘Betes Buddies is a group that organizes events and outings so school aged kids with type 1 diabetes can get together, feel like part of a group, and play together. It also a time when parents can socialize, find support, and compare notes.
Contact us for more info: betesbuddies@gmail.com
Susana Fletcher (512) 705-2653
facebook.com/betesbuddies

Wine Down & Listen Up

Wednesday, April 24th
6:30PM-8:30PM
The Cooper’s home in Westlake

Preparing for the Teen Years with T1D

Presented by Kate Gose,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

The teen years can be challenging enough without factoring in T1D.  Whether you are mentally preparing for diabetes and the teen years you currently have a teenage with T1D, this social and educational evening is for you! Kate Gose will discuss the developmental stages for adolescents and how that might affect T1D management— information that will equip and empower you as parents!

Light appetizers and drinks provided. Please RSVP to Amy at ahyman@jdrf.org by Monday, April 22^nd.

La Crosse, WI Ride Webinar

Tuesday, April 2nd
7:30PM-8:30PM

Check out all the event details here.

Ride to Cure Diabetes

Registration is now OPEN!

Register today for the Ride to Cure Diabetes – ride.jdrf.org
For more information click here.

 Advanced Diabetes Management Skills Seminar

Tuesday, April 16th
9:00AM-4:00PM
Texas Lions Camp, Kerville

Register at www.lionscamp.com
75$ for the entire family, $25 for an individual.
All meals provided.

As of this morning there are over 175 attendees (children, parents, grandparents and other caregivers), registered to attend the advanced diabetes retreat hosted by Dr. Steve Ponder at the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, outside San Antonio.
Presenters include Dr. Barbara Anderson from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Barb Schreiner, Nelda Caceres, Meaghan Anderson, and Brant Foster.

The kids can have fun (pool, arts and crafts, outdoor games) while the grown ups learn more. Older teens are welcome to attend the learning sessions. The grandparents and other care providers have a special program to teach hands on diabetes skills and get your questions answered.

News, Blogs and Research

Check out our NEW website!

LifeScan Announces Voluntary Recall of All OneTouch® Verio®IQ Blood Glucose Meters

One day you’re bound to remember and enjoy!

Fill out the One Party Volunteer form and let us know if you can help!

Ride-Venue-Webinar 2013