Fund-A-Cure

TRANSFORMING CHARITY - TRANSFORMING LIVES

Thirty-seven years ago, a small group of parents incapable of accepting a future with diabetes founded JDRF. In 1970, these parents made a promise to their children...a promise to raise money and then invest it wisely in research. And to this day, their hopes and dreams are unwavering, as JDRF has awarded more than $1 billion to diabetes research.

At the JDRF Dream Gala on May 3, 2008, there will be a moment after the Live Auction when the room is stilled and the story of hope unfolds...we call it Fund-A-Cure. It is the opportunity to donate directly to research and fund the science that will transform charity and change the lives of our families and friends with type 1 diabetes.

All proceeds from this year's Fund-A-Cure will be directed towards one of JDRF's five Cure Therapeutics, Autoimmunity. Steady progress has been made in understanding how the body attacks insulin-producing beta cells, eventually killing off the majority of those cells to cause type 1 diabetes.

Last year's big news in immune research was a clinical trial that dramatically slowed the progression of diabetes in newly diagnosed patients by using anti-CD3 antibodies. Short-term treatment with these antibodies preserved beta cell function for up to 18 months, significantly reducing insulin requirements and helping maintain good blood glucose control.

We hope that you will join us as we endeavor to increase the pace of science and focus on the main thing...to find a cure...fast.