by Mihaela Manova

Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Middle School student Hayley Creasy is set to join the highly selective, JDRF Ambassador program for the 2019-2020 year. JDRF or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation specializes in diabetic research, advocacy, and fundraising to find the ultimate cure for diabetes. At six-years-old, Hayley was diagnosed with type one diabetes (T1D) and now at twelve, she will join other ambassadors on their mission to educate the public about her condition. 

JDRF has recognized Hayley’s strong work ethic and commitment, as she is passionate to talk about her battle with T1D and helps to educate others. When asked about living with T1D she explains, “ It means that your pancreas is completely dead and you have to give yourself insulin to survive. You have to be brave and strong even on your weakest days!” With strong positivity, Hayley will be speaking about the cause and sharing her story to schools, hospitals, and businesses while also participating in the JDRF’s other programs. 

Living with T1D, Hayley is one of the estimated 38,000 people affected by this condition in southwest Ohio. T1D is an autoimmune disease – a condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your body, which can affect people at any age and any time. With this condition, the pancreas will stop producing insulin, a hormone that allows your body to store energy for future use. When dealing with T1D, insulin is injected into the body through the abdomen, thigh, or arm for the pancreas to receive its needed supply.

JDRF selects a small number of applicants who are vocal and open to put their stories and themselves in front of the public, to bring awareness and relate to those who feel underrepresented. While doing so, Youth

Ambassadors can make close bonds with each other, bringing teamwork and inclusiveness as a bonus to their work. Executive Director Melissa Newman explains the company’s goal, “JDRF Youth Ambassadors are a critical part of our work, as they help advance the cause and bring awareness to type 1 diabetes. These young people volunteer their time and put themselves out there in sharing their story, which includes the struggles of living with T1D, and we are appreciative of their efforts.”

As said by the organization’s website, JDRF is the leading global organization and the largest charitable supporter of type 1 diabetes research. It has awarded more than $1.6 million to diabetes research and has expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. While their numbers sky-rocket every year, this foundation makes it clear, “JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered.”



 

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