Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation launches Annual Giving Day in fight to create a world without type 1 Diabetes

A “24/7 rollercoaster ride” is how Perth woman Desilee Augustson describes living with type 1 diabetes.

The 51-year-old mother of four was diagnosed eight years ago with the disease that has plagued her family. Two of her sons and a niece also suffer from the chronic condition.

Every day the family has to meticulously plan to avoid life-threatening situations and closely monitor their diets.

Ms Augustson said most people didn’t understand the emotional, financial and social implications of dealing with diabetes.

“It’s like living on a rollercoaster ride that's bumpy, rocky, swervy and life threatening 24/7, 365 days of the year,” she said.

“It doesn't go away, it’s there when you sleep.”

Which is why Ms Augustson advocates for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a global charity with a vision to create a world without type 1 Diabetes.

JDRF hadn’t been able to fundraise like usual with one of its biggest charity events, an annual gala ball, cancelled because of the pandemic.

In response JDRF is holding an Annual Giving Day, starting today, with every $1 donated matched by corporate and individual donors.

The fundraiser is aimed at accelerating research breakthroughs for the 120,000 children and adults in Australia living with type 1 diabetes.

Ms Augustson is urging West Australians to step into her family’s shoes, metaphorically of course.

“We do all that we can to support the people who are trying to do the best to support us and find a cure,” she said.

“This is something that can affect anybody, no matter what age they are.

“So if everybody was just able to consider one thought or one donation.”

“If people were just able to donate just one dollar or $10 for their family or each child that they have well.

“Just related it to how it would affect them if they didn't have a choice. To be able to contribute to making a change because you never know what's around the corner for yourself.

“It has no boundaries. Giving shows no boundaries either and to be grateful of any donation no matter how big or small.”

While there hasn't been a case of Type 1 diabetes in the Augustson family history, there have been other autoimmune diseases.

"It's not something you acquire because of poor lifestyle chooses," Ms Augustson explained.

"It's an autoimmune disease. If you’ve got a history any autoimmune disease in your family you're more likely to develop [Type 1 Diabetes]. It's in our family but we've not had Type 1 diabetes.”

“The impact of finding a cure is extraordinary, people don't realise how much it costs to have a chronic illness and the cost it is to maintain that in terms of finances.”

JDRF Australia Chief executive officer Mike Wilson said the federal government dedicated $29.5 million to their Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network last year.

“Australia punches above its weight when it comes to type one diabetes research. There are many promising research initiatives here that activities such as the giving day will help us support,” Mr Wilson said.