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Writer's pictureESSEX FREE PRESS

Local resident donates $500 to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation


by Sylene Argent

Last week, Essex resident, Randy Thiessen, donated $500 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, hoping his contribution will help fund research that will find a cure to the disease. He made the donation ahead of November 14, which is recognized as World Diabetes Day.

  Thiessen has been a diabetic for 51-years, so this cause is one that is and dear to his heart. 

Over the years, Thiessen has made personal donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, in addition to donations made through his employer – Sun Life Financial, which made a financial contribution to an organization of an employee’s choice for having committed volunteer hours within the community.

  “I think it is a good cause,” he said of why he continues to show support to the local organization that - for over 40-years, has been searching for a way to end Type 1 Diabetes, through using research funding and advocacy.

  Katie Corchis, Senior Development Officer for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, was grateful to Thiessen for the donation. She said it is great to see members of the community still rallying around research for Type 1 Diabetes.

  She said Thiessen’s donation will go towards helping to improve the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes, and will also help fund research in the three core areas the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation conducts, including cure therapy, treatment therapy, and prevention, which contributes to helping future generations from getting Type 1 Diabetes.

  In recognition of the upcoming World Diabetes Day, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is urging those living with Type 1 Diabetes to send in their stories to the “Dear: Type 1” campaign. The stories can be submitted through its website.

  The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is also hosting a virtual Kids for a Cure Lobby Day program, where kids get a chance to talk to politicians about what it is like living with Type 1 Diabetes, and help push for support from the Canadian government. Typically, the young advocates get to go to Ottawa to participate in this program, but it will be held virtually this year, due to COVID-19.

  For more information, log onto www.jdrf.ca

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