JDRF Challenges the Public to Experience Type 1 Diabetes for a Day

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Oct 30, 2013, 11:41 ET

--Presented by Lilly Diabetes, JDRF's T1D for a Day challenge invites people to join professional snowboarder Sean Busby and experience what it's like to live with type 1 diabetes for a day--

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Throughout the month of November, JDRF invites people to step into the shoes of someone with type 1 diabetes (T1D) by participating in its T1D for a Day challenge, a free text message campaign presented by Lilly Diabetes. By texting T1D4aDay to 63566 any time now through November 30, participants of T1D for a Day will be led through 24 hours of virtual T1D, gaining a deeper understanding of the constant vigilance required to manage this disease, which affects as many as three million Americans.

This year's challenge will be hosted by JDRF celebrity advocate and professional snowboarder Sean Busby, who has lived with T1D for nine years. Text messages delivered from Mr. Busby to participants over the course of a day will offer a close look into his life with T1D, as he explains in real-time the various activities of his day, how they affect his blood sugar, and the measures he must take to stay safe and healthy.

"Taking care of type 1 diabetes every day is hard work, but most people don't realize how hard," says Mr. Busby. "By taking the challenge, you will experience for one day what many people live with every day. You'll learn how complicated life with type 1 diabetes is and understand the urgent need for a cure."

This year's T1D for a Day challenge is made possible by Lilly Diabetes, a supporter of several JDRF programs for more than 15 years. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of T1D and generate support for JDRF's mission, including advocacy goals.

"For millions of Americans, diabetes is a constant companion they must accommodate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And yet, each person's experience with the disease is unique," says Kevin Cammack, senior director, Lilly Diabetes. "We are proud to support the T1D for a Day challenge as an innovative way to help others understand, if even briefly, the commitment and vigilance it takes for people to effectively manage their diabetes."

"On behalf of JDRF and the millions of people that live with type 1 diabetes, I'd like to thank Lilly Diabetes, Sean Busby, and all who participate in helping JDRF raise awareness for people with type 1 diabetes," says Cynthia Rice, JDRF's senior vice president of advocacy and policy. "Through this eye-opening challenge, JDRF hopes to inspire more people to become a part of our family of advocates, who are paramount in making sure initiatives like the Special Diabetes Program continue to fund critical diabetes research. Congressional renewal of the Special Diabetes Program is essential to avoid the slowing or stopping of patient clinical trials that have the potential to improve millions of lives."

To Become an Advocate: To become a JDRF advocate or learn more about the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), visit advocacy.jdrf.org.

To Participate in T1D for a Day: Any time now through November 30, text T1D4aDay to 63566 using a mobile device. Those who sign up early will begin the challenge on the morning of November 1, which marks T1Day – a day to raise awareness for T1D that also kicks off National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM). JDRF encourages participants to share their experiences during the challenge via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, using the hashtag #T1D4aDay.

* Participation in T1D for a Day is free of charge. (You may receive up to 45 messages.) Message and data rates may apply. Text Stop to 63566 to unsubscribe. Text Help to 63566 for help. Mobile terms and conditions at www.protexting.com/T1D4ADAY.html.

Click here to watch an introductory video for the T1D for a Day challenge featuring Mr. Busby.

About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF's goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people's lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D.

As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific research in 17 countries. In 2012 alone, JDRF provided more than $110 million to T1D research. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. In 2012 Forbes magazine named JDRF one of its five All-Star charities, citing the organization's efficiency and effectiveness.

For more information, please visit jdrf.org.

Video with caption: "Sean Busby Invites You to Take the T1D for a Day text challenge". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2sbe_f9oGM&feature=youtu.be

SOURCE JDRF