Fund A Cure with Jack DeTrempe | Breakthrough T1D Illinois Gala 2024

About

Thank you in advance for your support in my 2024 Gala fundraising. A special thanks to those who supported me and so many others in the past through the charity we started shortly after I was diagnosed with T1D in 2003 – Alpine Children’s Charity. We would not have been able to hold so many great skiathlons and golf marathons without your support and generous donations. Your support then and continued support now has truly made living with diabetes easier and brings us closer and closer to our finish line – CURES!

I recently was elected to the board of Breakthrough T1D Illinois (formerly JDRF). Breakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. I am very excited to be back in the fundraising efforts, supporting such a great cause and organization. If you, a family member, friend, co-worker, etc. ever have any questions about T1D, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am happy to lend and ear, talk about my own struggles & triumphs of living with T1D, and/or connect you with other great resources/people.

Being diagnosed with T1D at 13, the night the Cubs lost Game 7 of the NLCS to the Florida Marlins, marked the beginning of a lifelong journey. Just like the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series win, T1D research has had its breakthroughs. However, living with T1D remains challenging. Even after 21 years of living with T1D, I am learning how these challenges affect me daily. Recently, I’ve focused on improving my mental health, and learned there is a link between T1D and mental well-being. Did you know 30-40% of those with diabetes report anxiety? 20% higher than someone not living with T1D. And adults with T1D are 3x more likely to experience depression than adults without diabetes? High blood glucose can lead to anger/sadness, while low levels can cause confusion/nervousness.

Technological advances are incredible, but we still need a cure. When asked, I used to say that I pricked my finger 8-12 times a day and gave myself 5-10 insulin shots daily. Realistically, it was probably more, but I didn’t want to tell people or admit to myself the challenges I lived with daily. Today, my insulin pump connects to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), making life better but still challenging. I’m proud of my recent A1C level of 6.4. Before 2021, when my CGM did not link with my insulin pump, my A1C averaged 7.5. My blood sugar averages are much better today thanks to these breakthroughs.

Joining this amazing group at Breakthrough T1D feels like coming full circle. As mentioned above, shortly after my diagnosis in 2003, I co-founded Alpine Children’s Charity (ACC) with my family, raising over $2,000,000 through nine skiathlons and eleven 100-hole golf marathons. ACC had a dual mission of raising money for research of various childhood diseases and encouraging “kids helping kids”. I’ve missed the part of me that gave back and supported others, as well as the support system it provided me. I hope this new journey revives that, brings back a support system, and reminds me and others to let that inner kid out more.

A few bullet points to wrap this up …

I owe a massive thank you to my family and friends for their support over the past 21 years. I truly appreciate your support and guidance, even if I don’t always say it out loud—THANK YOU.
Thanks again for your support and generous donations and if you or anyone you know has questions about T1D, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Lastly, I look forward to celebrating breakthroughs with those of you who will be attending the Gala this December. Let’s raise some money for a great cause and let out our inner kid as we dance the night away to Train!