July 30, 2013 ― JDRF presented its annual Erwin Lurie Volunteer of the Year Award on Monday, July 29, to Pittsburgh, PA, resident Nan DeTurk for her leadership and outstanding contributions as a volunteer on behalf of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The award was given during a special ceremony at JDRF’s OneConference in Washington, D.C.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is named after the late Erwin Lurie, who helped found JDRF in 1970 with wife Carol and others after his son was diagnosed with T1D at age 10. Up until Mr. Lurie’s death in 2009, and Mrs. Lurie’s death in 2013, they were dedicated advocates whose vision guided JDRF in becoming the largest charitable supporter of T1D research.

“The leadership Nan has provided to JDRF has been paramount in guiding her chapter through many challenges and toward many successes, with grace and integrity,” says Jeffrey Brewer, president and CEO of JDRF. “We are extremely grateful for the immeasurable difference she continues to make for JDRF and for the millions of people with type 1 diabetes.”

After the tragic death of her husband from complications related to T1D, Ms. DeTurk became devoted to making a difference in his honor, volunteering her time and leadership to JDRF’s Western Pennsylvania Chapter. She went on to become president of her JDRF chapter for fiscal years 2013 and 2014, and was recently appointed to the JDRF International Board of Directors after serving on two international JDRF committees.

“It’s a great honor to receive this award from JDRF, an organization that has been a very important part of my life for many years,” says Ms. DeTurk. “I’ve seen firsthand how difficult type 1 diabetes is, but I’ve also seen how far we have come at JDRF. Working together, we are helping to lessen the burden of this disease until it is a thing of the past. Looking back, I can’t help but be confident about the progress that lies ahead, and I’m excited to be a part of that progress.”

To read the press release, please click here.