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Ok, now that THAT is out of the way, let me give some back ground before I get to my question.
When The Superhero was diagnosed with T1 in July 2008, it was a few months before the local JDRF walk. It was also only a few months before The Princess was due to be born. Since the timing of the walk and the timing of The Princess coincided, we did not participate in the walk. Not to mention being SUPER overwhelmed by being newly diagnosed with a T1 Diabetic toddler.
Fast forward one year, local walk 2009. I signed us up to walk. We raised some money. THEN The Superhero got SICK. We were admitted to the hospital the day before the walk. We missed the walk.
Now, fast forward to THIS year, 2010. Our walk is a few months away. I did sign us up a few months ago because I got the email. I have now been thinking a lot about this and whether or not I really want to walk.
Not because I don't want a cure, because OF COURSE I DO.
BUT how do I know if I am funding the right research? Is JDRF really where I want my money to go? Have I done enough research of my own to feel I am making the right decision for US, and not just doing it because that is what everyone else does?
Today a lot of local families are attending the walk kick off gatherings. I thought about going, and honestly might have, if it weren't at a WATER PARK. This is not my idea of a good time with 2 toddlers, one with T1 Diabetes. So I opted not to go. And this has gotten me thinking more and more about whether or not I even have it in me to raise the money and do the walk if my heart is not fully in IT.
I have been doing a little research into JDRF and into other T1 Diabetes Researchers, namely, Dr. Denise Faustman. She has done some amazing research and is currently conducting Phase II HUMAN clinical trials! THIS has me SO excited that a CURE could be as soon as 10 years out!
BUT, she is PRIVATELY funded. JDRF does not support her research. I have heard her research is controversial. I have heard her possible "cure" would not be a money maker since it would potentially be CHEAP for people/insurance companies, therefore the BIG pharmaceutical companies won't fund her.
SO, how do I know I should be sending my financial support to her? What if she DOES find this cure? It would be so exciting to know I was a part of THAT.
Now don't get me wrong, I love JDRF. They have been a great resource for family support, etc. I appreciate what they are doing too, but I REALLY want a CURE for my baby. And I am not sure they will be the ones helping to find it.
I mean, since we don't really know what this cure will be, we have no idea who will find it, or who will have funded it.
So that brings me to my question for YOU...
Do you support JDRF, Faustman, or both in some way? And WHY?
I honestly want to know what YOU think. Even if you have NEVER posted on my blog, I am genuinely interested in everything everyone has to say regarding Diabetes Research and the support that goes along with it.
And, we are signed up for the local walk. Now I just have to decide if I REALLY want to participate.
