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New virtual fundraiser unveiled in support of type 1 diabetes research

 

 

Toronto, ON — June 15, 2020 – This past Sunday June 14th, the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community took part in the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure, presented by Omnipod – Canada’s largest virtual house turning type one diabetes into type none. Despite the reality of physical distancing, this new, family-friendly virtual event will unite Canadians from coast to coast to get loud and raise critical funds for JDRF and its vital T1D research program.

The JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure featured celebrities who live with T1D such as NHL player, Max Domi, and Canadian country superstar, George Canyon.

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, Domi is teaming up with JDRF to increase awareness for type 1 diabetes as their National Spokesperson by co-hosting the event, sharing his story about living with this chronic disease and lending his voice to help raise funds to support critical type 1 diabetes research. 

So far, the event has reaised $2.1 million dollars to accelerate diabetes research, but participants can continue to fundraise until the end of the year.

It was a day filled with great entertainment, inspirational stories from the diabetes community and research updates fro the experts. Participants were also able to stream live their house party and share how they are helping to raise funds for T1D treatments and cures.

"Research can’t stop and during this period of uncertainty, it is heartening to see that we can rely on the power of community to support one other,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “The JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure was a testament to the passion and resolve of a group of people who – even in these difficult times – remain inspired by a common goal: to create a world without T1D.”

Funds raised for the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure will advance ground-breaking research that will make a positive difference in the lives of the more than 300,000 Canadians touched by T1D and their families.  

Learn more at jdrfparty.ca.

Click here for the Twitch live stream.

 

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About JDRF Canada

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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

 

For more information:

Soledad Vega
National Marketing and Communications Manager
JDRF Canada
Phone: 647-459-7881 
Email: svega@jdrf.ca   

 

 

 

New virtual fundraiser unveiled in support of type 1 diabetes research

 

 

Toronto, ON — June 11, 2020 – On June 14th, the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community will take part in the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure, presented by Omnipod – Canada’s largest virtual house turning type one diabetes into type none. Despite the reality of physical distancing, this new, family-friendly virtual event will unite Canadians from coast to coast to get loud and raise critical funds for JDRF and its vital T1D research program.

The JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure will feature celebrities who live with T1D such as NHL player, Max Domi, and Canadian country superstar, George Canyon (view our full celebrity lineup at jdrfparty.ca). It will be an exciting day filled with great entertainment, inspirational stories, research updates from the experts and much more. Participants will also be able to stream live their house party and share how they are helping to accelerate the pace of T1D research.

“Research can’t stop and during this period of uncertainty, it is heartening to see that we can rely on the power of community to support one other,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “The JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure is a testament to the passion and resolve of a group of people who – even in these difficult times – remain inspired by a common goal: to create a world without T1D.” 

The JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure will advance ground-breaking research that will make a positive difference in the lives of the more than 300,000 Canadians touched by T1D and their families. It is a movement that empowers people who refuse to be defined by their disease – a way the T1D community can come together to say: We are #MoreThanT1D. 

Join the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure on Sunday June 14^th from 12-4pm EST at jdrfparty.ca.

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About JDRF Canada

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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

 

For more information:

Soledad Vega
National Marketing and Communications Manager
JDRF Canada
Phone: 647-459-7881 
Email: svega@jdrf.ca   

 

 

 

Toronto, ON, June 5, 2020 – JDRF welcomes today’s announcement from the Government of Canada to better support Canadians with disabilities during COVID-19, including those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). While more details around the program are yet to be released, we do know that a one-time, tax-free payment will be made to all Canadians who currently qualify for the disability tax credit (DTC).

As we all know too well, diabetes is an expensive disease which can cost Canadians thousands of dollars annually for insulin, diabetes monitoring and supplies. Those who have lost jobs or income will feel the economic burden of this even more as they struggle to afford the high costs of managing their disease. This payment will provide some relief to those who need it most.

JDRF and other diabetes organizations were successful in convincing the government to restore the DTC for adults with T1D when administrative changes at the Canada Revenue Agency resulted in thousands of adults suddenly being declined. The announcement today is another step in the right direction by recognizing that more needs to be done for Canada’s vulnerable populations and putting the necessary supports in place for them – because no one should ever have to worry about how they will afford to manage their disease.

We look forward to our continued work with the government in addressing other recommendations put forward by the Disability Advisory Committee.

The National Health Service (NHS) in England recently released two studies that provide the first information available about risks of COVID-19 in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The findings – which are still undergoing peer review – tell us that for people that need to be hospitalized due to COVID-19, those with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of death than people with type 2 diabetes, or the general population.

JDRF’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sarah Linklater, helps to put into context what these findings might mean for those living with T1D in Canada.

“The headline findings of these studies are worrying, but a close look at the data show that the risk of death from COVID-19 if you have T1D is mainly increased in older people – who we already know are at higher risk of worse outcomes of COVID-19. The risk for younger people with T1D is very low – there were almost no deaths in people with T1D under 40, and no deaths in people with T1D under 20.”  

The new findings also show that high HbA1c (>10%), high BMI (>30), and social deprivation all increase risk of death from COVID-19 in people with T1D, as does having a history of certain complications. 

“It is important to keep in mind that these are UK statistics, and we don’t have any data like this from Canada. COVID-19 has had a greater impact in the UK than in Canada, including on their healthcare system. It’s also emerging that outcomes of COVID-19 in people with diabetes might differ in different countries.”

The overall risk of dying from coronavirus – for those living with or without diabetes – is very low. People with T1D are not at higher risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus, but may be at higher risk of complications if they do become infected, especially if they are older or have other risk factors. 

“We continue to urge people with T1D – especially people over age 65 or those that live with them – to take every precaution to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by closely following public health guidance, and managing their diabetes as best they can.”

In these challenging times, JDRF is doing all it can to help people of all ages with T1D stay informed and safe. If you have concerns about your health or your risk of COVID-19, it’s best to speak to your healthcare team.

See JDRF’s information page on coronavirus and type 1 diabetes.

See more details about the NHS’s new statistical data here. 

 

Toronto, ON, May 14, 2020 – Dr. Rangarajan Sambathkumar, a pioneering young investigator at the University Health Network in Toronto, has been awarded a second post-doctoral fellowship ($60,000) for his stem cell research, based on an ongoing collaboration between JDRF Canada and Eli Lilly Canada Inc. (Lilly Canada).

Established in 2013, the partnered program that funds new and innovative research is called the JDRF Canadian Clinical Trial Network (CCTN) Eli Lilly Post-doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Translation in Type 1 Diabetes. Under the mentorship of Dr. Maria Cristina Nostro, Dr. Sambathkumar has been working on improving beta cell maturation from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) using in vitro genetic engineering for the development of a cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Human stem cells may be the key to large-scale beta cell replacement therapy since they can divide indefinitely.

In recent years, there has been significant progress in the generation of insulin-producing beta-like cells from various stem cell lines. Dr. Sambathkumar’s current JDRF and Lilly-funded study will advance this promising new area of research in diabetes. With the creation of better beta cells for transplantation, this research may contribute to beta cell replacement therapies that could one day cure T1D.

“Diabetes research continues to break boundaries every day. It is the current work of our scientists and researchers that has the potential to make tremendous improvements in the lives of people with diabetes,” says Dr. Joanne Lorraine, Diabetes Medical Director at Lilly Canada. “Lilly is pleased to support post-doctoral fellows who make important contributions for patients.”

 

About JDRF Canada

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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

About Eli Lilly Canada (Lilly Canada): 

Eli Lilly and Company is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by Colonel Eli Lilly, who was committed to creating high quality medicines that meet people’s needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to people who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and contribute to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Eli Lilly Canada was established in 1938, the result of a research collaboration with scientists at the University of Toronto which eventually produced the world’s first commercially-available insulin. Our work focuses on oncology, diabetes, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and pain. To learn more about Lilly Canada, please visit us at www.lilly.ca.

For our perspective on issues in healthcare and innovation, follow us on twitter @LillyPadCA. 

For more information:

Soledad Vega
National Marketing and Communications Manager
JDRF Canada
Phone: 647-459-7881 
Email: svega@jdrf.ca   

 

Ethan Pigott
Communications Manager
Eli Lilly Canada Inc.
Phone: 416-770-5843
Email: pigott_ethan@network.lilly.com

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto, ON – April 27, 2020 – JDRF Canada, the leading global funder of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, welcomes Health Canada’s authorization under Interim order to use the FreeStyle® Libre System for hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The new authorization from Health Canada allows the Flash Glucose Monitor FreeStyle Libre system to be used by frontline healthcare workers in hospitals to remotely monitor patients’ glucose status to minimize exposure during COVID-19 and preserve the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

“It’s positive to see Health Canada acknowledging how critical advanced glucose monitoring technology can be in managing diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “Taking advantage of these virtual care opportunities is essential, especially during this time.  Access to these devices will allow frontline healthcare workers to remotely monitor patients’ glucose status therefore decreasing their health risks and offering better care for Canadians living with diabetes.”

With a one-second scan using a reader or smartphone over the FreeStyle Libre sensor worn on the back of the upper arm, glucose readings are measured every minute and the user can get current glucose measurements, historical trends and patterns, and arrows showing where glucose levels are going without having to fingerstick. At the same time, physicians will receive glucose data and actionable information remotely to help make important treatment decisions through LibreView, a secure, cloud-based diabetes management system available at no cost to healthcare providers and users. Recent studies showed that users of the FreeStyle Libre system have improved glucose control, decreased time in hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia as well as reduced hospitalizations and HbA1C levels. 

JDRF is working to make these devices accessible and affordable for all through the Access For All campaign. For more info breakthrought1d.ca/accessforall.

 

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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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

 

Media contact
Arielle Nkongmeneck
National Bilingual Marketing and Communications Specialist
JDRF Canada
647.613.1277
ankongmeneck@jdrf.ca

 

 

The JDRF – Beyond Type 1 Alliance Releases Recommendations for People with Diabetes During COVID-19 Pandemic

The recommendations are supported by 50 international organizations working together to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable.

April 28, 2020 – Today, two of the world’s leading diabetes organizations released guidance on high-impact COVID-19 prevention recommendations for people with diabetes. The JDRF-Beyond Type 1 Alliance brought together leaders of the global diabetes community to develop recommendations to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus and to keep people safe. The suggested guidelines are endorsed by the American Diabetes Association, Harvard Medical School and The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) and can be found at coronavirusdiabetes.org.

Members of the diabetes community are among the most vulnerable to severe complications and death caused by the coronavirus. While not everyone with diabetes — Type 1 or Type 2 — has the same level of risk, the recommendations target broad changes in behavior from everyone in the diabetes community to protect those who are the most at risk.

“With the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus adding new challenges, fears and uncertainties, it’s critical to provide people with diabetes and their loved ones with these recommendations from some of the most trusted medical professionals in our field,” CEOs Aaron Kowalski and Thom Scher of the JDRF-Beyond Type 1 Alliance said in a joint statement. “Together, we can tap into the power of the global diabetes community to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.” Kowalski is President and CEO of JDRF and Scher is President and CEO of Beyond Type 1.

An estimated 463 million adults live with diabetes worldwide and to reach this vast community, a global digital campaign has been launched with the help of 50 partner organizations around the world. Sharing partners include the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES), Arogya World, Asociación DiaVida, Asociación Mexicana de Diabetes, the Brazilian Diabetes Society, Canada Pediatric Society, Carb DM, The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Children With Diabetes, The diaTribe Foundation, College Diabetes Network, Connected In Motion, CUI.D.AR Argentina, Diabète Québec, Diabetes Action Canada, Diabetes Canada, Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA), Diabetes Hope Foundation, Diabetes Online Community (dedoc), Diabetes Sports Project, Diabetes Youth Families, DiabetesDE, DiabetesSisters, Diabetes Strong, Diabetes India Youth In Action (DIYA), Endocrine Society, Federación de Asociaciones de Diabetes de Canarias, FHADIMAC, Fondazione Italiana Diabete, Fundación Aprendiendo a Vivir con Diabetes (FUVIDA), Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, I Challenge Diabetes, International Diabetes Federation, International Diabetes Federation Europe, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Life For A Child, Maggiore Hospital, Marjorie’s Fund, Federación Mexicana de Diabetes, A.C., National Association of School Nurses (NASN), National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council (NDVLC), the NCD Alliance, Riding On Insulin (ROI), Samatvan Centre, T1D Exchange, Taking Care Of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), The Human Trial, Tidepool, and We Are Diabetes.  The website and campaign materials are now available in Spanish and English, with an ongoing goal of translation into as many languages as possible.

Along with the list of recommendations, coronavirusdiabetes.org includes a variety of other articles, downloadable graphics, videos and links to additional resources provided by JDRF, Beyond Type 1, and other partners. Organizations and companies looking to help in the effort can reach out to coronavirus@beyondtype1.org.

The JDRF-Beyond Type 1 Alliance, established in 2019, is an innovative partnership designed to amplify each organization’s strengths and provide greater support for those impacted by T1D. The Alliance combines the power of JDRF, the leading global organization funding T1D research, and Beyond Type 1, the organization with the largest online community of any diabetes nonprofit. The work of the Alliance centers around three core pillars: community programs, advocacy, and communications + education. Find more information about the Alliance here.

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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

About Beyond Type 1

Beyond Type 1 is a nonprofit organization changing what it means to live with diabetes. Through platforms, programs, resources, and grants, Beyond Type 1 is uniting the global diabetes community and providing solutions to improve lives today. Founded in 2015 with a focus on education, advocacy and the path to a cure for Type 1 diabetes, Beyond Type 1 has grown to also include programs for those with Type 2 diabetes. A new model of philanthropy, Beyond Type 1 aims to change what it means to live with chronic illness. For more information, visit beyondtype1.org or follow @beyondtype1 on social media.

Media Contacts:

Soledad Vega, 647-459-7881, svega@jdrf.ca

Dana Howe, press@beyondtype1.org

JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure aims to raise $2.5M nationally because type 1 diabetes research can’t stop.
 

Toronto, Ontario, April 20, 2020 – In the new reality of physical distancing, JDRF is bringing Canadians together to unite, get loud and raise funds to accelerate the pace of type 1 diabetes research – all from home. The JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure, presented by Omnipod, will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2020, and is Canada’s largest virtual house party turning type one diabetes into type none.

This one-day, family-friendly, virtual and interactive house party will feature guests such as NHL player Max Domi and Canadian country superstar George Canyon. It will be a day filled with live streaming entertainment, inspirational stories, updates from research experts and more.

“The JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure is more than a virtual house party,” says Dave Prowten, President & CEO of JDRF Canada. “It’s a movement that empowers families touched by type 1 diabetes to rally together, now more than ever. We need to make sure that the research doesn’t stop for the type 1 diabetes community, and funds raised through this event will help us accelerate JDRF and critical research breakthroughs that will lead to better treatments and cures.”

Participants will be encouraged to do their own fundraising challenges at home and creativity will be key. Whether it’s a virtual dinner with friends, 100km on a stationary bike or a bead-a-thon – anything can be virtually possible. Participants will be able to live stream their house party and share what they are doing to move towards a cure for type 1 diabetes.

JDRF is honoured to have the continued leadership of Sun Life as the event’s National Premiere Sponsor, proud to welcome Insulet Canada, home of the Omnipod® Insulin Management System, as the Presenting Sponsor, as well as Abbott Diabetes Care as a National Partner, and grateful for the continued support of Bell Media as the National Media Sponsor and Max Domi, JDRF’s National Spokesperson.

Join the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure by registering at jdrfparty.ca.

 

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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D.

For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

 

For more information about the JDRF House ParT1D for a Cure or to arrange interviews with JDRF spokespeople, please contact:

Soledad Vega
National Marketing & Communications Manager
JDRF Canada
Email: svega@jdrf.ca
Mobile: 647.459.7881

Calgary, AB – March, 13 2020 – In response to concerns regarding the global Coronavirus outbreak, JDRF Calgary has cancelled its popular “Picks and Plates” Gala while continuing the event’s online fundraising activities. The in-person event was scheduled to take place April 18 at Hotel Arts.   

“Our annual ‘Picks and Plates’ Gala is a long-standing and important fundraiser for the T1D community. The health and safety of the type 1 diabetes community and our staff are our top priority, therefore we had to make this tough decision to cancel,” says Duane Schreiner, Regional Manager, Alberta & NWT. “Accelerating type 1 diabetes research is still critical so moving to online fundraising will provide a way to drive impact safely”. 

The decision comes as Alberta Health has asked that all gatherings of 250 people or more be cancelled, in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

Fundraising Continues

The “Picks and Plates” online fundraiser includes an online auction (more details to come), raffle and Fund-A-Cure campaign. You can purchase WestJet Raffle tickets or make a Fund-a-Cure donation here.

Future Events

To date, the “Picks and Plates” Gala is the only JDRF Calgary event that has been cancelled. In terms of other upcoming JDRF activities, such as awareness and educational events, the organization is making decisions on a case-by-case basis – taking into consideration the timing, location, and size of activities taking place.

“We are consulting with medical experts and reviewing the situation on a daily basis,” says Schreiner. “This is a unique situation and we will continue to thoughtfully review where things stand before making any decisions.”

Anyone wanting information about the online events, donations and gala ticket refunds can contact JDRF Canada at 403-255-7100 or email at calgary@jdrf.ca

About the “Picks and Plates” Gala

Launched in 2016, the “Picks and Plates” Gala has been an important JDRF fundraiser that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of funding for treatments and cures for type 1 diabetes. 

 

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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

 

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For more information:

Mariam Mesbah

Interim National Director, Marketing and Communications

T: 506-377-7805

E. mmesbah@jdrf.ca

www.breakthrought1d.ca

 

 

Toronto, ON – March 3, 2020 – JDRF Canada, the leading global funder of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, welcomes the release of the Standing Committee on Finance’s report and its recommendations to address the diabetes epidemic.  

We particularly welcome its recommendation that the government support the development of a new national diabetes strategy (Diabetes 360⁰), as well as changes in the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) criteria that would allow for those requiring insulin therapy to automatically qualify. 

The mandate of the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) is to study and report on all matters relating to the mandate, management and operation of selected federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency, and to conduct pre-budget consultations. JDRF is calling on the government to adopt FINA’s recommendations in Budget 2020. 

“It’s positive to see the committee acknowledging the enormous burden that diabetes imposes on individuals and on society,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “Canadians with type 1 diabetes spend up to $15,000 annually in out of pocket costs managing their disease. Billions more are spent by taxpayers in managing the cost of complications. Access to the DTC would provide families some much-needed financial relief for individuals and a national strategy would help to tackle health care spending. We hope the Government will move quickly to adopt the Committee’s recommendations.”  

FINA’s recommendation to make qualification for the DTC automatic for those who require life-sustaining therapy follows a similar recommendation by the Disability Advisory Committee last spring. It would address problems with the current eligibility criteria that have led to confusion and inequity and represent a significant barrier to access for Canadians with insulin-dependent diabetes and other chronic diseases. Access to the DTC continues to be a challenge some two years after the government reversed controversial changes that resulted in all adults with type 1 diabetes being denied the credit.   

Other positive recommendations we welcome are making the DTC a refundable tax credit so those with low or no income can also benefit from it, as well as uncoupling the DTC and the Registered Disability Savings Plan to end the clawback on RDSP contributions. The government announced as part of Budget 2019 that it would end the clawback; however, changes to the Income Tax Act have yet to be enacted.

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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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

 

Media contact
Arielle Nkongmeneck
Bilingual Marketing and Communications Specialist
JDRF Canada
647-789-2000 ext. 2046
ankongmeneck@jdrf.ca

 

 

 

Toronto, Ontario – February 27, 2020 – JDRF Canada, the leading global funder of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, is hopeful that the Government of Quebec might still consider provincial coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in spite of a report released this month by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESS).

“We are encouraged by the recognition that continuous glucose monitoring meets an unmet medical need. Put simply, these devices aren’t just life-saving, they’re life-changing for Quebecers living with T1D,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada.

This comment comes in response to INESS’ recent review of the Dexcom G6 monitor. While the new device was unanimously endorsed by the evaluation committee (CSEMI), for its superior efficacy in managing type 1 diabetes in individuals over the age of two, the committee concluded that the “cost to benefits ratio was too high” to support having it covered under the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 

Given that T1D is a life-threatening disease, JDRF Canada sees tremendous value in providing medical coverage for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), devices which can detect and predict when blood sugars are rising or falling too rapidly. Audible alarms and mobile alerts warn users of impending life-threatening low or high blood sugar events before they occur, helping users take action. This helps keep patients out of the hospital and avoid costly complications over the long-term.

Studies have shown that more than 70% of T1D patients have insufficient glycemic control, with children being at significant risk of severe and non-severe reactions, including coma and loss of life.

In reviewing the device, INESS also agreed with the clinical and expert opinion data indicating that the Dexcom G6 CGM would lead to a "clinically significant decrease" in adverse outcomes for people managing type 1 diabetes.

JDRF Canada is pleased that the INESS recognizes the importance of this device for individuals with T1D and encourages the Quebec Government to work with the manufacturer to come to an agreement that would see these devices reimbursed for Quebecers with type 1 diabetes.

JDRF also encourages the province to consider whether it might cover these devices for those individuals who are at particularly high risk for a severe hypoglycemic event.

JDRF Canada believes that while the initial cost of CGM might appear high, the long-term cost savings as well as the improvements to quality of life for patients, would be impactful, because greater accessibility to CGMs means fewer hospital visits and fewer costly complications such as kidney and cardiovascular diseases, vision loss, nerve damage and amputation.

“My daughter’s Dexcom proves it worth day and night. It is the only safeguard that prevents the life-threatening events of type 1 diabetes from harming her,” says Quebec resident, Michaëlla Étienne. She is also President of the Association of Parents of Children with Diabetes. “Every child has the right to a healthy and safe childhood, regardless of family income.”

JDRF Canada’s Access For All campaign aims to increase public and private coverage for advanced glucose monitoring devices. JDRF is urging all provincial governments to provide public reimbursement for these devices for all individuals with type 1 diabetes.

For more information on the INESS report, visit, https://www.inesss.qc.ca/nc/en/publications/publications/publication/systeme-de-mesure-du-glucose-en-continu-dexcom-g6mc-dexcom.html?no_cache=1

 

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 more than $2.2 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, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

 

Media contact
Kim Lacombe
Regional Director, Eastern Canada
JDRF Canada
514 744 5537, ext. 225
klacombe@jdrf.ca

MONTREAL, October 25, 2019 – Montreal Canadiens centre and JDRF ambassador, Max Domi, unveiled The Max Domi Fund for Type 1 Diabetes  today at the Bell Sports Complex.

Max Domi is stepping forward to not only inspire young people living with type 1 diabetes but also help make their lives better. Max is establishing a fund at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) – The Max Domi Fund for Type 1 Diabetes. Consisting of three pillars, the fund will focus on supporting youth living with T1D, exploring how to help those living with T1D struggling with mental health as well as fighting to ensure all Canadians living with T1D have access to life-saving technology.1 in 5 teens living with T1D suffer from depression – twice as common as in the general population.

“I want to do whatever I can to make life better for Canadians living with type 1 diabetes,” says Domi. “I hope youth read my book and feel that they are not alone, and diabetes does not have to stop you.”

To kick-start his fund, Domi will be personally donating a portion of all proceeds from the sale of his book, No Days Off: My Life with Type 1 Diabetes and Journey to the NHL, which is scheduled for release on October 29^th. Domi will also host a thank you celebration for donors who have contributed to his fund over $10,000.

The Montreal Canadiens are supporting Max by hosting an exclusive book-signing event for up to 500 fans on November 10^th at the Bell Centre Tricolore Sports store. A portion of the proceeds from the sales that day will also be donated to The Max Domi Fund. For more info on how to get tickets, click here.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month – a month dedicated to raising the profile of a relentless disease that touches so many Canadians and at present doesn’t have a cure. To mark the event, Bauer Hockey has created limited edition hockey sticks for Domi to use at every game during the month of November. Max has designed these sticks with pictures that have symbolic importance to him. The sticks will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to The Max Domi Fund for Type 1 Diabetes.

“We are proud to partner with Max whose story of perseverance and overcoming adversity to get to where he is today is a powerful message to kids,” said Mary-Kay Messier, VP of Global Marketing for Bauer Hockey, who donated approximately 100 BAUER sticks to this initiative. “In creating the design on his BAUER stick, he took incredible care with the details, including a tribute to those players before him and other symbols important to his own personal journey. He is a high-impact player on the ice and a high-impact ambassador for our game outside the rink, especially how he shares engaging and personal stories on social media that help to inspire kids around the world.”

“Max is an incredible leader, mobilizer and changemaker that we are proud to call a partner,” says Dave Prowten, president and CEO of JDRF Canada. “He works hard to raise awareness and funds to improve the quality of life for all Canadians living with T1D. On behalf of the T1D community, we applaud him for his leadership and extend our sincere gratitude for his tremendous dedication.”

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About Max Domi
Max Domi is known for his fantastic speed, uncanny ability with the puck, gritty shot blocking and highlight play goals. His path has taken his talents to the international stage and now his skill is on full display in Montreal playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

Max has earned a reputation for being a leader on and off the ice. He’s well-know for his passion and dedication, this has been especially clear in his work he does for the diabetes community. Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) himself, Max has excelled in being a role model and advocate for youth living with T1D.

About JDRF Canada

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Our goal is to raise funds to support the most advanced international type 1 diabetes research and progressively remove the impact of this disease from people’s lives – until we achieve a world without type 1 diabetes. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure type 1 diabetes. JDRF is the largest charitable funder and advocate for T1D research in the world. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.

JDRF Media Contacts

Arielle Nkongmeneck	Lyne Charbonneau
National Bilingual Marketing and	Event Experience and
Communications Specialist	Fundraising Manager
T: 647-789-2000, ext. 2046 E: ankongmeneck@jdrf.ca	T: 514-744-5537 E: lcharbonneau@jdrf.ca