JDRF vs. ADA

I am beginning to wonder if there is a competition /rivalry going on between JDRF and the ADA.

The fundraising walk in our area is a JDRF sponsored walk. I have been twice. About 100 people showed up both times.

The closest ADA "STOP DIABETES" walk is in Boston. Last year about 5,000 people showed up.

There are a couple of factors to take into account here. 1) Boston is a real, no-joke city and 2) the ADA supports research regarding both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Since 90- 95% of all diabetes cases are type 2, perhaps the ADA will get more press and support as a result.

The JDRF only works with patients and research pertaining to type 1 diabetes, which is the one with the "dead" pancreas, that will not "go away".  (Since I am pretty sure that type 2 doesn't "go away" either, I am always surprised how often I must answer the question: "will she grow out of it?")

While the ADA sponsors M's diabetes camp, I have a soft spot in my heart for the JDRF.

On the other hand the aggressive tag "STOP DIABETES" makes it sound as if there will be cutting edge technology on the way at any moment. Bret Michaels has thrown his weight behind this organization.

Of course we have Nick Jonas and Mary Tyler Moore behind the JDRF.

What to do, what to do?

Since the JDRF walk was only a half an hour from my home, M and I volunteered what limited resources we had behind them.

The first time we walked, we simply showed up, paid $25 each, and walked the 5K circuit around the pond at NHTI.

This time we decided we would actually try to raise some money. After a few Facebook appeals, we recruited five walkers and raised over $600 (Thanks to all who donated!).

Again, there were only about 100 people there. There was a local radio station. There was a raffle. There was donated food. But there weren't a lot of people. The groups raised about $25,000 total. Which for 100 people isn't too bad. But it is disheartening to see such a tiny response. After all, the JDRF is the worldwide leader in funding research on Type 1, including the artificial pancreas, and the prevention of Type 1.

I know that Type 1 doesn't sound as sexy or life-threatening as cancer does. I know that people see insulin as a godsend that makes people's lives "normal". But more people die from diabetes than from breast cancer. And even though it is manageable, it is still hard. And when someone you love has it, it's really hard.

So maybe that's why the STOP DIABETES campaign is picking up steam. Maybe it sounds more exciting and proactive than a "research foundation".

Of course I wish both organizations the best of luck and a lot of support. We need to do whatever we can to find a cure.

Our walking team! Thanks guys!