JDRF International, the world’s leading charitable funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes – a disease that strikes people suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Its mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion in research funding since its inception. JDRF is an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. JDRF collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Its staff and volunteers in nearly 80 Chapters throughout the United States and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and the JDRF vision of a world without T1D.  The New England Chapter plays a vital leadership role in JDRF’s success, with a chapter revenue goal of $7 million in FY 2017.