Cinda Thompson, of Peoria, has had Type 1 Diabetes for 53 years and counting. On October 4, 2015, she will be among thousands of walkers at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walk, Sun., Oct 4 (10:00 AM), Civic Plaza Park Levee District, 400 Richland Street, East Peoria., IL 61611.

She is part of the Z Team, along with Karen Zichterman of Chillicothe, whose son was also diagnosed with adult onset juvenile diabetes (Type 1), an immune system disorder. The local JDRF has contributed thousands of dollars to eliminate this difficult, life-burdening disease. Nationally, JDRF has contributed over $1.9B to T1 research, $98M in 2014: Type One to Type None.

Cinda was diagnosed in what she calls “the dark ages” of treatment of one shot of long-acting insulin per day, along with a diet of no sugar. Blood sugar testing as it exists today was not possible, and though high blood sugars were feared, Cinda assures that low blood sugars were and are feared perhaps even more by those who suffer from Type One.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, counting many parents and children among its members, is very much responsible for helping to fund further help. Cinda has been awarded with the Joslin Research Center’s 50-Year Medal, as well as that of Eli Lilly, original company founders of insulin. She is happy to speak with any individual group or organization concerned with facing a long-term illness. Meanwhile, Cinda attributes modern medical advances like faster-acting insulins and the insulin pump, as well as more frequent blood testing, with improvements in her health and outlook.

Every contribution to: (http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=5351&pg=team&team_id=179756&ref_px=9938709) is working on:
• the artificial pancreas (a system of external devices plus a phone app)
• “smart” insulin (the new drug actually can regulate itself to the sugar in the bloodstream),
• the encapsulation of insulin-producing beta cells (eliminating the need for transplant drugs),
• prevention and a further biological cure.

Any medical advancement can better the life of many a child and their worried families. Cinda has come to believe an actual cure might be possible. As grateful as this one woman is for her life, she does not want anyone else to have to suffer isolation, confusion, disillusionment, or even the financial challenges her condition has presented her throughout the years. This is why Cinda, the Zichtermans, and so many support JDRF—these people are involved with hope. A cure is possible. Type One to Type None!

Cinda Thompson