July 30, 2013 ― On Monday, July 29, JDRF presented its Jim Tyree Chairman’s Choice Award to longtime volunteer and leader Cynthia Ford for her significant contributions to JDRF on behalf of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), including her son, Albert. The annual award was given during a special ceremony at JDRF’s OneConference in Washington, D.C.

The Chairman’s Choice Award is named after the late Jim Tyree, who passed away in March 2011. A longtime JDRF friend and leader who lived with T1D for 25 years, Mr. Tyree was a Life Member of JDRF’s Illinois Chapter Board of Directors and served as chair of JDRF’s International Board of Directors from 2006 to 2008.

“What has propelled JDRF forward for more than 40 years are the people who never quit, who never lose that ability to remain focused on why we do what we do, for the millions of people with type 1 diabetes,” says Jeffrey Brewer, president and CEO of JDRF. “Passionate leaders like Jim Tyree and Cynthia Ford have fueled this organization to keep working toward our goal of removing this disease altogether. It is a privilege to recognize Cynthia’s enormous contributions with this award.”

Mrs. Ford began volunteering her time with JDRF’s Government Relations Department (now Advocacy and Policy), calling representatives and advocating for support of T1D research—a process about which she remains passionate today. She and her family also became involved in local events through the JDRF Metro Detroit/Southeast Michigan Chapter, including Gala events and the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. Mrs. Ford’s impact on JDRF’s efforts grew steadily, and she has become a leading volunteer on both national and international levels, serving on JDRF’s International Board of Directors among other leadership roles.

“It’s been a great honor to devote my energy to an organization whose mission I believe in, and whose efforts I champion,” says Mrs. Ford. “JDRF has provided support and hope to my family and to so many others who are impacted by type 1 diabetes. I’m thrilled to receive this award from people I have worked alongside and respect. We are on this journey toward eliminating this disease together, and this is for all of us.”

To read the press release, please click here.