On Saturday evening I will serve as the honoree at JDRF’s signature fundraising event, the 13th annual Granite Gala at the Manchester Country Club. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and working toward ultimately finding a cure for diabetes.
More than 80 new cases of T1D are diagnosed in the United States every day, which results in nearly 30,000 new cases per year. At Northeast Delta Dental, we know that oral health is a critical component of overall health. I recently learned that among those who are diabetic, there is an increased prevalence of gum disease, which could lead to other complications if the individual does not visit their dentist regularly or practice good oral hygiene daily.
At the event, inventor Dean Kamen and Founder and President of DEKA Research and Development will be honored with the 2014 Judith & Walter Havenstein Sr. Cure Champion Award for his work to advocate for the importance of science and technology. Among Kamen’s numerous inventions was the first-ever wearable infusion pump which quickly gained attention from many medical specialties including endocrinology.
Many other special guests will be in attendance on Saturday evening including Jessica Dunne, Ph.D., and Regina Shirley. The NH Symphony will entertain guests during dinner.
To learn more about the Northern New England Branch of JDRF or make a donation visit http://nne.jdrf.org, call (603) 222-2300 or email newhampshire@jdrf.org.