Annual Report 2010 - JDRF Canada

Williams Family, ONA small group making a big differenceWhen 11 year old Josh Williams and hismother, Linda Sukk, speak at fundraisingevents for JDRF, the pair often quoteMargaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group ofthoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” For thepast five years, the Williams family has embodiedthis spirit of dedication and activism.The family participatedin their first Walk to CureDiabetes just one monthafter Josh, their middlechild, was diagnosedwith type 1 diabetes atage six. Joining walkersfrom Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, theywere “overwhelmed to see so many people andfeel their support.” Later that year, their eldest son,Zach, organized the first of many fundraisers at theboys’ elementary school. While a spokespersonfrom JDRF made a formal presentation aboutdiabetes, Josh sought to educate his youngclassmates about his disease.When you engage the Foundation, you feellike you are doing something. Meeting otherpeople who are passionate about this causemakes you feel uplifted. It gives you hope.The family’s fundraising and community engagementefforts have grown with each passing year. Inaddition to organizing ongoing activities at Joshand little sister Zoe’s elementary school, as well asZach’s high school (including annual Sneaker Daysand Walk teams), Josh’s father, Scott, is currently inhis second term as Peel Region’s Walk Chair andLinda is Family Chair. Josh is also an active YouthAmbassador for JDRF, speaking at a wide variety ofevents. Of all their JDRF activities, the TELUS Walkto Cure Diabetes continues to be their favourite.As much as this family has given to JDRF – andit has been considerable: $33,000 raised in thepast four years – Linda and Scott feel that theyhave received so much in return. “Gettinginvolved with JDRFwas very selfserving.We saw itas a positive outlet,especially for Josh,”says Scott. “When youengage the Foundation,you feel like you aredoing something. Meeting other people who arepassionate about this cause makes you feeluplifted. It gives you hope.”That hope is fuelled by new technologies andresearch. Even in Josh’s short life, he has benefitedfrom technological improvements, such as an insulinpump that automatically shuts off if his blood glucosedrops too low. “The work that JDRF supports ismaking a real difference now in the lives of peoplewith type 1 diabetes,” says Scott.“Each of us can make a difference,” adds Linda.“The harder we work, the closer we get tofinding a cure.” •