JDRF Gala

Saturday night I had the pleasure and honor to attend the Annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) fundraising event in an effort to raise money to find a cure for diabetes in children.  My good friend Karyn’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes ten years ago. The closer I’ve become with Karyn the more I want to help in any way I can.

I feel honored that Karyn and her husband, John, include us in this special night where over 600 guests come together to raise money for a cure for diabetes. Yes, attending the gala is a fancy night out in Boston with wonderful friends, but more than that, it’s an opportunity for me to contribute to a cause that I feel personally tied to. Supporting research for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a no brainer for me because I want nothing more than for Karyn and John’s beautiful daughter to be cured of this disease.

Choosing a Cause

But choosing how and where to make a difference philanthropically isn’t always easy.  There are a great number of good causes and it can be overwhelming to know which to become involved with. I feel bad when I see a post for help on Facebook, but I opt to keep scrolling.  Whether it’s a family in need, an abandoned dog or a save the planet message; I want to help. But realistically, it’s not always possible and so I must choose.

A Personal Connection

Like with JDRF, I commit to causes to which I have a personal connection. I have friends and family whose children suffer from Cystic Fibrosis and another friend who is a long standing supporter of St. Jude. When opportunities come up to support either of these I say Yes! If either of the schools my daughter’s attend holds a food drive or fundraiser, I do everything I can to participate.

At the end of the day, I do the best that I can and try not to feel guilty when a call comes in that I must decline. I remind myself that I can’t do it all, but I am 100 percent dedicated to doing what I can.

Indeed, it takes a village and I’m grateful to be a part of a group of friends and a community where we can lean on each other whether to find a cure for diabetes, cystic fibrosis or cancer.