Melanie Fox, chairman of the upcoming Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala, understands the butterfly effect. One thing, one little bitty thing, could severely alter the lives of people with type I diabetes. JDRF’s sole mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research – sooner rather than later.
“JDRF has made a huge difference in the fight against this devastating disease,” Fox said in a recent interview. “Researchers are closer than ever to eradicating type I (juvenile) diabetes. JDRF is focused on four therapeutic areas: beta cell therapies, immune therapies, glucose control, and complications therapies.”
“Exciting developments in these areas have taken us to the brink of curing this terrible disease.”
Fox holds a position on the Little Rock School Board, is on the Little Rock Public Education Board, and serves on the boards of Children’s Protection Center and City Parks Conservancy. She and her husband, Jeff, have two children, Madison Parham Fox, 10, and William “Davis” Fox, 13.
“One of my son’s good friends was diagnosed with diabetes when they were in kindergarten (2003). The child’s name is Davis Moore, and his mother is a friend of mine from college. It was at that time that I became a proponent of type I diabetes research.
“I could tell you story after story of the trials and tribulations of kids with type I diabetes,” Fox said. “However, it is not just that difficulty that has my attention, it is the fact that type I diabetes is on the rise around the world. The reason for this has not yet been determined, but we do know that heredity plays a role and there is a theory that viruses might also be involved.”
Fox says working on the gala in the JDRF offices has been eye opening. “I love the people (kids and adults), the efficiency of the organization, the passion and dedication these kids and families have toward finding a cure and the fact that the mission is simply to find a cure, which is going to happen sooner rather than later,” says Fox.
“I was at the JDRF offices recently and an 18-month-old little girl was toddling around with her insulin pump neatly attached to the waist of her pants. I just know if we keep up the momentum, a cure for diabetes will be reached in her lifetime.”
Luckily, Fox doesn’t have to do all the work for the gala by herself.
“I have a fabulous committee, board and staff who should get all the credit for what I know will be a successful event…what a team. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful honoree in Lisenne Rockefeller. Lisenne has long been a role model for her advocacy on behalf of all children with many different challenges and has been a strong supporter and partner of JDRF. And, we are also pleased to have such great presenting sponsors in the BKD Foundation and Lisenne,” she said.
“The goals of the JDRF Gala will be to increase awareness about type I diabetes and to raise funds for research while enjoying the evening’s wonderful auctions, dinner program and entertainment. The gala is a fun and energizing event and provides a great opportunity to enjoy the company of friends while making an impact on the future of a child with diabetes.
“Our very own JDRF Ambassadors will serve as hosts for the evening, and it means so much to them to look around the ballroom and know the people in that room are there because they believe a cure for diabetes can be found and they want to help find it. This night is very personal for our children and their families,” Fox said.
10th annual JDRF Gala
when/ 6 p.m. Saturday, April 17
where/ Statehouse Convention Center
with entertainment by CRISIS!
tickets/ $150 per person
info/ 217-0321