Brooks Biagini
Executive Director
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, North Florida Chapter
Mission
To find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
Serving Jacksonville
JDRF was founded in 1970 by a small group of parents wanting to find a cure for their children. In 1993, the Jacksonville-based North Florida Chapter was established.
Those served
The North Florida Chapter serves 35 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Nassau, Okaloosa, Putnam, Santa Rosa, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton and Washington. Most of our time is focused in Jacksonville and the immediate surrounding area as well as Tallahassee, an area we are focusing more on in the coming year.
Biggest challenge
Ensuring that our local organization meets or exceeds our financial budgeted responsibilities and that every constituent is treated with respect and feels engaged and part of the JDRF family. I feel a personal responsibility to ensure that contributors to our organization have assurance that JDRF operates in the most efficient manner possible and see the impact of their dollars and time. We must always remember why we persevere, which is to serve the children, adults and families who are living with type 1 diabetes and to work every day on funding a cure. It’s a constant juggle of planning, communicating, fundraising, servicing and balancing. Although challenging at times, every advance in diabetes research is worth our combined efforts.
Biggest satisfaction
Hearing about a life-changing advancement made for people with diabetes that’s been accomplished because of the research we have helped fund. An example is the Artificial Pancreas Project. An artificial pancreas will enable a person with diabetes to maintain normal glucose levels by providing the correct amount of insulin at the appropriate time. Because of JDRF’s aggressive commitment and local donors’ support, the artificial pancreas is anticipated to be in the market within three to five years. Although not a cure, this will help tremendously in providing the best control possible for people living with type 1 diabetes and will help avoid some of the long-term complications, including blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, amputation and the day-to-day concerns of blood sugar highs and lows. I also feel satisfaction in the relationships gained with children and families who benefit from the services JDRF provides.
Hometown
Fayetteville, N.C.
First experience with community service
Volunteering as a teenager to feed the homeless at the Osborn Center during the Thanksgiving holiday with the Salvation Army.
Your job before JDRF
Regional Director, Arthritis Foundation, North Florida; came to JDRF in March 2006
Upcoming events
Oct. 23: 10th Annual Miracles in the Moonlight Gala, themed “Disco Ball,” Sawgrass Marriott.
April 9: Walk to Cure Diabetes, Jacksonville Fairgrounds.
Contact information
www.jdrfnorthflorida.org,
739-2101