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.

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.”

The Houston Gulf Coast Chapter is excited to offer two different walk locations once again this year.  The Greater Montgomery County Walk to Cure Diabetes will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.  The Houston Walk to Cure Diabetes will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Reliant Park.

CLICK HERE register and learn more about the 2013 Walk to Cure Diabetes.

Why We Walk!

Each participant’s motivation to walk is a story they are quick to share. It may be for themself, a loved one or a friend or it may be because someone they care about or their employer asked them to participate. Each year, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults – approximately 80 people per day – are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the United States. We walk for them, and as many as 3 million Americans that have T1D. Who’s your #1?

While you’ve been reading, another person was diagnosed with diabetes.

Co-chaired by Jeff and Kathryn Smith and José Luis and Elizabeth Vittor, the evening was a nod to the mystery, grandeur and whimsy of Italian Carnevale in Venice.  Baker Hughes as well as Tony and Donna Vallone were the 2013 Promise Ball Honorees and Frank Billingsly, KPRC Channel 2 Chief Meteorologist, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.  Guests were wowed by jugglers on stilts during cocktail hour and were welcomed into the gorgeous ballroom by entertainers in masks.  Auction winners took home once-in-a-lifetime prizes such as an adorable 8 week old puppy, an African safari, a naming dinner at Tony’s Restaurant and more.  The band, ELS had the crowd dancing well into the night with their energetic, upbeat tunes.

The Schnellhardt Family

The evening took an emotional turn during the Fund-A-Cure Program as Jeff, Christy, and seven year-old Grayson Schnellhardt shared about the grueling challenges of living with type 1 diabetes.  Grayson, who was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 12 months, moved the crowd to tears with his honesty about living with courage in the face of type 1 diabetes.

The 2013 Promise Ball was a huge success raising over $1 million for JDRF.  Proceeds from this event fund research to treat, cure and prevent type 1 diabetes and its complications in children and adults.  Many thanks to all of our generous sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make this a magical and unforgettable evening!

Enjoy more event photos by clicking here.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

5:30 – Registration, Happy Hour and Silent Auction

6:30 Tournament Begins

Join professionals from around the greater Houston area on Thursday, May 2, 2013 for the inaugural “Top Golf FORE! A Cure” Tournament presented by Envoy Mortgage.  Set to benefit JDRF, you won’t want to miss this one of a kind networking event that’s equal parts golf tournament, friendly competition, happy hour and fun – all for a great cause!

Registration is now OPEN!  Click here to register as a foursome, individual player or event guest or to check out sponsorship opportunities!

Join JDRF Houston for the 22nd Annual Tee Up To Cure Diabetes.

JDRF Houston and the Southern Texas PGA would like to invite you to participate in the 22^nd Annual Tee Up to Cure Diabetes Golf Tournament presented by Spark Energy and Adobe Equipment on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Memorial Park.

With all proceeds to benefit JDRF, you won’t want to miss this wonderful Pro-Am golf tournament that will also  include a $100 gift certificate for each player to the PGA Merchandise tent.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Memorial Park Golf Course

1001 W. Memorial Loop  |  Houston, TX 77007

Registration and Driving Range Open at 8:00am

Shot Gun Start at 10:00 a.m.

Lunch Immediately Following Play

Space is limited and this tournament was sold-out last year, so be sure to contact Angelina Spriggs (aspriggs@jdrf.org) today to reserve your spot!

Join JDRF Houston for a night to remember at Promise Ball 2013: Carnevale.

Paying homage to the elegant and mysterious Italian winter festivals, this year’s gala promises to transport all of your senses to a majestic evening in Venice.   With the finest wine flowing throughout the evening and ornate masks on display, guests will enjoy la bella vita with once in a lifetime packages up for bid in the live and silent auction, a superb dinner reminiscent of the old country and live entertainment provided by ELS.  This is an evening you won’t want to miss!

Honorees

Donna & Tony Vallone

Baker Hughes

Gala Chairs

Kathryn & Jeff Smith

Elizabeth & José  Luis Vittor

Master of Ceremonies

Frank Billingsley, Chief Meteorologist, KPRC

Black Tie

Click here for information on sponsorship and ticket sales.

For all other inquiries, please email Kamika Hind (khind@jdrf.org)