20 Years of Progress: Honoring Their Past and Inspired by the Future

JDRF Dream Gala raises nearly $900,000 for type 1 diabetes research

Colorado Home & Lifestyles proudly supported JDRF, the leading global nonprofit organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, and was in attendance as the Rocky Mountain Chapter raised nearly $900,000 at the 20th Anniversary Dream Gala on Saturday, April 13. Community leaders and individuals dedicated to achieving a world without type 1 diabetes gathered to celebrate the remarkable progress of JDRF to improve lives today and tomorrow through its commitment to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D).

More than 500 guests attended the gala that honored Dr. Peter and Linda Chase for their outstanding commitment, dedication and drive to achieve JDRF’s vision of a world without T1D.

Dr. Chase was appointed the first Director of the University of Colorado Pediatric Diabetes Clinic in 1976 and served as the principal investigator of the Colorado site. His studies for a project paved the path to collaborative research into continuous glucose monitoring and the artificial pancreas. Dr. Chase was also a primary investigator in the JDRF National Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study Group, and has worked to improve adolescent adherence to diabetes care. He’s served as the principal investigator on many groundbreaking projects and has published extensive research on diabetes outcomes in T1D patients; his work has resulted in over 300 peer-reviewed publications and 76 book chapters.  

Linda Chase is a nurse with a background in community health who tirelessly supports those living with T1D and those who love them by volunteering her time at the Barbara Davis Center.

The evening included a silent and live auction, dinner and dancing and a ‘Fund A Cure’ program that was anchored by a moving video featuring adults and children living with T1D, and their journeys.

The JDRF Dream Gala Steering Committee included Immediate Past Chair Meredith Coors; Corporate Chair Katie Leonard of Aetna; and Auction Co-Chairs Dick Cohen and Meredith Coors. Greg Dutra, Meteorologist with KDVR Fox 31, served as the master of ceremonies.

Save the date for 2020! Pre-sale is underway for this premiere event that will be May 16, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. For more information contact Hannah Hoogenboom at 303-209-7718 or HHoogenboom@jdrf.org.

About T1D

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While the causes of T1D are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are 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. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org;  follow us on Twitter: @JDRF; or call your local JDRF office at 303-770-2873.