Foundation Is Optimistic About Finding A Cure For Type 1 Diabetes

BY VICKI GILHULA

Staff and volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in Greater Sudbury and throughout Canada are confident a cure will be found for Type 1 diabetes soon.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. Its an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Type 1 diabetics are dependent on insulin for life, and it can be difficult to manage.

More than 200,000 Canadians have Type 1 diabetes. Sean Everest is one of them. The Pinecrest Public School student was diagnosed when he was four.

The 10-year-old now uses an insulin pump, but until recently, he had to endure about 200 needles each month.

Sean is this year’s youth ambassador for the Walk to Cure Diabetes.

He and his mother, Jody, spoke at the sponsor recruitment breakfast Wednesday at Tom Davies Square.

“Thank you, thank you,” said Jody, to the business and community leaders who attended the event.

Last year $80,000 was raised by participants in the Greater Sudbury walk. This year’s goal is $110,000.

Inspired by nephews with diabetes, Gisele McVittie and her daughter, Alyssa, raised $1,500 through online donations for the 2006 walk.

Byron Jones, regional manager for the foundation, said the organization will be developing outreach programs for parents.

As well, the foundation is compiling an education package for teachers so they can feel more comfortable assisting students with Type 1.

Warning signs of Type 1 diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, increased appetite, and sudden weight loss.

Life expectancy for people with diabetes is shortened by an average of 15 years. The disease is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, strokes and heart attacks, according to information provided by the foundation.

Walk organizers are seeking corporate sponsors as well as volunteers and walkers for the June event.

This year’s walk will be along the TransCanada Trail along Junction Creek. It will start and end at Ray Hnatyshyn Park/the Ukrainian Seniors Centre on Notre Dame Ave at Paris St.