The JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile, or Type 1, diabetes, who were desperate to find a cure for the disease as quickly as possible. Type 1 diabetes is a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

Kids with Type 1 diabetes no longer produce insulin, but without it, they cannot survive. Therefore, they must take insulin either through several shots each day or through an insulin pump which is inserted by catheter into the child and worn 24 hours a day.

These kids must also have their blood sugar levels checked by pricking their fingers as many as ten times throughout every day and night in order to keep them at safe levels. The short term effects of a severe low blood sugar can be dangerous, and the long term complications from high blood sugars can include heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.

JDRF is determined to find a cure for juvenile diabetes, and with your help, the Cohasset Triathlon can help get them closer to their goal. Thank you for your support!