Dear Friends and Family,

The England family’s T1D (Type 1 Diabetes) journey began in 1958 when Bruce’s oldest brother Mike was diagnosed at 18 months. There were no blood glucose meters, and large needles were the standard of care. Bruce’s mother was told that she would know when Mike needed insulin by the look in his eyes. Fast forward to 1993. Mike’s daughter Ashley was diagnosed at age seven. She had the advantage of blood glucose meters, carbohydrate counts, smaller needles and a school nurse. She moved to an insulin pump and traveled overseas without her parents when she was in middle school. Fast forward to 2003. Our youngest son Randy was diagnosed at age eight. Care was progressing. Meals could be eaten at any time, and insulin was matched to them. Insulin pens were approved, then an I-Port, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and now a CGM that cuts off his pump insulin if his blood sugar goes too low.

Sadly, in January of this year, Bruce’s brother Mike passed away after he was diagnosed with heart problems. Four days later, eight year old Wade, grandson of Bruce’s younger brother, was diagnosed with T1D.  And the cycle begins again.

 Our family is determined to continue improving the standard of care for T1D and find a cure. We volunteer with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) because our T1D’s have benefitted directly from the research projects that JDRF has supported and seen through development. Barbara currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Branch and is this year’s Gala Chair for the Hope Ball.

We are asking you to help us make a difference by considering a donation of $10 to JDRF’s Fund A Cure campaign. 100% of Fund A Cure donations support research and research-related education, allowing your dollars to make the highest impact on our path to a cure, and your donation is tax deductible.

 More than 40 years ago a small group of parents in the Philadelphia area were brought together by a shared common goal — to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Their conviction and determination built the cornerstone for JDRF, which has grown to be the leading global organization funding T1D research. Since its founding, JDRF has awarded $1.8 billion research. A passionate group of volunteers is capable of incredible things when joined together for the greater good. We hope you will consider this worthy cause.

With sincere gratitude,

Bruce, Barbara, Randy and the England Family​