Ken Aldridge Recognized for Outstanding Dedication

New York, NY, September 30, 2015. — JDRF presented its Erwin Lurie Volunteer of the Year Award to Ken Aldridge last night at the JDRF International Board of Directors dinner in New York, NY. Ken was recognized for his outstanding contributions to JDRF on behalf of all people affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D).

“I am honored to present the Volunteer of the Year award to Ken. He exemplifies JDRF’s values through his collaboration with volunteers and his passion for curing T1D,” said Derek Rapp, JDRF President and CEO. “Ken’s incredible commitment to finding a cure for not only his children, but all people affected by T1D is a true inspiration.”

Ken has been an active volunteer with the JDRF Illinois Chapter since his daughter, Laura was diagnosed with T1D more than ten years ago. Aldridge and his family became involved with JDRF when their older son, Steve was diagnosed with T1D as an adult. Their personal and corporate giving through Aldridge Electric has had a vital impact on the JDRF Illinois Chapter. Since becoming involved with JDRF Illinois, Aldridge and his family have contributed approximately $1.8 million to the chapter.

“JDRF Illinois is fortunate to have the partnership and dedication of the Aldridge family and our friends at Aldridge Electric,” said Michelle Paulsen, JDRF Associate Executive Director, Illinois Chapter. “They have raised and contributed a staggering $2.5 million and continue to find creative and impactful ways to contribute to the T1D community, while motivating other families and corporations involved in our search for a cure.”

Ken is a passionate voice for T1D awareness and is dedicated to JDRF and their mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. His knowledge on the disease and how it affects people are key factors that motivate him to continue sharing JDRF’s mission. Ken’s leadership and his family’s involvement have ensured that the JDRF Illinois Chapter continues to be one of the highest grossing chapters nationwide.

“Learning about the amount of research being funded and the improved treatments and opportunities for a cure which could have an enormous impact on Laura’s future motivated me to help in any way I could,” said Ken. “Today, with two children living with T1D, we don’t have to commiserate about this disease, we can work proactively to do something about it and find a cure.”

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. His wisdom, guidance and support were instrumental in creating JDRF, the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide. Through his years of dedication and commitment, Erwin was a pivotal influence and driving force behind JDRF’s mission.

About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers in more than 100 locations throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF.