Nick Jonas teams up with Juliet De Baubigny, Sarah Lucas and Sam Talbot to launch BEYOND TYPE 1, a non-profit dedicated to diabetes awareness

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- EDUCATE. ADVOCATE. CURE.  BEYOND TYPE 1 is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the conversation around diabetes and bringing a new level of respect, understanding and support to the global Type 1 community. Co-Founders Juliet De Baubigny, Nick Jonas, Sarah Lucas and Sam Talbot all have a very personal connection to Type 1 and are excited to come together to share their stories and build the community needed to combat an isolating and confusing disease.  BEYOND TYPE 1 is here to be provocative, inclusive and disruptive. By including the real-life faces of those living with the disease, we can change the narrative and help eradicate the stigma that comes from living with a chronic illness.

Nick Jonas, himself a Type 1 Diabetic diagnosed in 2005 explains his point of view and motivation to join BEYOND in the attached statement.

BEYOND TYPE 1 CEO Sarah Lucas further adds: "We are providing the lifestyle guide for living beyond the diagnosis in full blown gorgeous color, with voices gathered from around the globe.  While we will support programs and efforts that are concentrating on the future and a cure, we are focused on the every day, the now, because Type 1 is 24/7 and people need the tools and inspiration to live beyond, today."

The founders recognize that there is a different narrative to be told, and a new way to tell it; a strong empowered community can live a dynamic life beyond the diagnosis.  With plans for high profile collaborations, curated special events, and through technology and social media, BEYOND TYPE 1 will provide education and awareness, affording a greater capacity for strategic fundraising and ultimately looking forward to a future free of diabetes.

BEYOND TYPE 1 soft launched in February with an Instagram campaign called "Living Beyond", showcasing the age, range and lifestyle of those living their best life with T1D, not focusing on the disease itself but the brilliance of those affected by it and how they manage it.  #thedropspotted was also born on social media from a simple hat with the BEYOND drop logo. These campaigns have already garnered support from high profile individuals both in and around the diabetic community including Shepard Fairey, David Blaine, Stacey Bendet, Brian Boitano, Claudine DeNiro and Genevieve Gorder. To purchase a hat and support #thedropspotted, or to share your story please visit: www.BeyondType1.org 

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS:

JULIET DE BAUBIGNY- Juliet's son Nicolas was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2012 at the age of five. Juliet joined Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers in 2001, and as a partner works with the firm's portfolio companies on areas of human capital. She has served on numerous national and international non-profit boards and campaigns, most notably Product (RED).

NICK JONAS – Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of thirteen. The multi-platinum selling recording artist, talented actor and philanthropist, continues to support charitable causes that are close to his heart while encouraging youth to follow their dreams in spite of their struggles.  He has served as an advocate for a variety of important issues, including health and education for our youth, human rights and most notably, diabetes.

SARAH LUCAS - Sarah's daughter Mary was diagnosed with Type 1 in 1998 at the age of seven. An event designer, writer and lifestyle expert with a passion for philanthropy, she has raised over $10 million for Type 1 charities over the past 15 years. She has served on the Bay Area Executive Board for JDRF and UCSF Diabetes Center Leadership Council and will serve as CEO of BEYOND TYPE 1.

SAM TALBOT- Sam was diagnosed with Type 1 at the aged of 12. A star in the culinary world, he has turned his love for food into an innovative career, opening several restaurants and participating in season 2 of Top Chef, where he was named "Fan Favorite." He serves as a role model to adults and children alike by applying his "all-natural" style of cooking to every recipe.

ABOUT BEYOND TYPE 1: Founded in 2015 by Juliet de Baubigny, Nick Jonas, Sarah Lucas and Sam Talbot, Beyond Type 1 seeks to bring a new level of respect and understanding to those living with Type 1 Diabetes. The founders have personal connection to the disease and they aim to leverage their networks to benefit the Type 1 community.  BEYOND TYPE 1 highlights the brilliance of those fighting this disease, and champions patient's rights while always working toward ensuring a cure is on its way. 100% of every dollar raised directly supports the most promising global efforts and programs working to educate, advocate and cure Type 1 Diabetes

ABOUT Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 is an autoimmune and chronic condition that occurs when the body's own immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Because the pancreas produces little to no insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar (glucose) to energy, people with Type 1 must inject or pump insulin into their body every day in order to live. Type 1 is currently neither preventable nor curable and the cause is unknown.

Nick Jonas:

"Nearly ten years ago my life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Since then, I learned how to manage and live well with this disease and made it my mission to speak openly about it with the hope of helping others deal with the struggles of managing diabetes in their own life. 

When I share my personal story, the questions I most often hear are, 'What did you eat that gave you diabetes?' or 'Does that mean you were lazy as a kid?' Although it's been difficult to deal with the misinformation out there, I always found a way to not let the lack of knowledge surrounding diabetes affect me. 

I can't do that any longer, and that is why I'm excited to join Juliet, Sarah and Sam in BEYOND TYPE 1.

With BEYOND TYPE 1, we will create a community for diabetics where they can share real-life stories about how they are living beyond Type 1 diabetes, and how they have shown that living with the disease has not slowed them down. Sometimes, something happens in your life and you wonder what good can come of it – these stories will surprise some people and they are meant to. We need to eradicate the stigma that comes from having a chronic illness.

We have a long way to go in the education of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and in that lack of knowledge is the even harsher reality that we are still very far from a cure. BEYOND TYPE 1 will also focus on raising funds for research to find a cure. I am confident we will get there someday, but it will take a lot of people doing what they can to help. 

We are strong together."

www.BeyondType1.org
Twitter: @BeyondType1 
Instagram: @beyondtype1

For additional information about BEYOND TYPE 1 please contact Teddie Davies at 212-353-2903, [email protected]

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SOURCE BEYOND TYPE 1

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