JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease which strikes children suddenly and requires multiple injections of insulin daily or a continuous infusion of insulin through a pump. Insulin, however, is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.
Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research, including more than $137 million in FY2007. In FY2007, the Foundation funded 700 centers, grants and fellowships in 20 countries.
The Metro Saint Louis / Greater MO Chapter was established in 1976 to promote the JDRF mission in metropolitan Saint Louis and western Illinois. Our coverage has expanded over the years to cover most of Missouri and a large portion of Illinois.
Staff
Our staff is made up of some interesting people from diverse backgrounds. Presented below are their bios as written by them:
Sue Batterson, Manager Corporate Development
I came to the JDRF from the American Diabetes Association in November of 2007. I am thrilled to be part of such a terrific, professional staff supporting such enthusiastic volunteers. I work hand in hand with the Board of Directors, corporate development, gala and walk committees to develop, maintain and grow our relationships with new and existing corporate partners who support the JDRF and our events.
My previous experience in advertising, event planning and corporate sales makes this a great fit. Working for such a forward thinking and effective organization as the JDRF is a pleasure. Our Saint Louis corporations couldn’t pick a better organization to invest their charitable dollars with knowing how wisely they will be spent and how much their community support is valued by our loyal Saint Louis families and volunteers.
I was born and raised in Saint Louis, grew up in Ladue along with my seven siblings, and have lived here most of my life. Currently with my only child, James, a college student, a finicky cat named Celine and a goldfish that goes by Jaws II. If you want to know where I went to high school you will just have to guess…how ‘bout them Cards!
Patrick Dalessandro, Office Manager
I joined JDRF in 1997. I don’t have a connection to type I diabetes except that now I know dozens of kids living with diabetes, so there’s that. I work as the administrative assistant / office manager / tier 1 tech support for the local staff / accounts payable department / accounts receivable department / office supplies distributor / phone operations / postal worker / all other tasks as directed. I may have missed some. Anyway, working for JDRF is a job like most others, but you sleep better at night because you know you’re doing good. And that’s a nice bonus.
M. Marie Davis, Executive Director
I was was born in southern Missouri. I lived in a town of 250 until age 17 when I moved to Washington DC and then on to Freidericksbruck, Germany. Global you say and now I work for an international organization. I use my understanding of disabilities, parenting skills and the education system to help mentor families. I use my background in entrepreneurship, marketing and business consulting to recruit business partners for JDRF. I feel my greatest skill is in networking. I am a professional fundraiser.
I eat, sleep and dream JDRF…just ask her daughters how often I’m late for dinner. My favorite vacation was a trip to South Africa. My favorite quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ally Klein, Logistics Coordinator
When my daughter, Kelly, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1998, the first place I called after Kelly was discharged from the hospital was Marie Davis at the JDRF office. I started volunteering in the office stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, and packing the “Bags of Hope” for new families. I served as the Family Teams Walk Chair for three years. Kelly’s Walkers has been raising money and participating in the Walk to Cure Diabetes since 1998.
I enjoyed working as the Missouri State Leader for Government Relations one year and the Legislative Affairs Board Member for two years. Kelly and I have been to Washington DC to advocate for research funding and to meet with all of our St. Louis area congressional representatives and senators many times. My current job at JDRF as a Special Events Coordinator is fun and challenging. Every event is accomplished with the help of my great co-workers and the hundreds of volunteers who help raise money to find a cure for our kids.
Tara Parkhurst, Database Manager
I started at JDRF in August of 2001 and designed the local database. I am responsible for data management in all JDRF’s databases. However, my favorite tasks are creating the live auction slideshow and catalog for the Gala.
Christina Reilly, Family Development
I was an elementary school teacher, then a stay at home mom. During this time at home with my daughter, she was diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 4. We quickly received support from JDRF that grew into friendship with many of the staff. This led to our frequent attendance at events and building a very strong walk team.
Before our second walk, I accepted the volunteer position of Family Team Walk Chairperson and worked closely with Andrea Hulke. After two years of FTWC and Andrea moving to North Carolina to start a JDRF program for their chapter, I transitioned into her position. I am the Director of Family Development on a part-time basis. I provide education and support to newly diagnosed families through the “Bag of Hope” and Mentor programs. In addition, I’m very involved in our Outreach efforts. We do this through day-to-day family interactions, social events, support groups, educational sessions, school functions/presentations and fundraising activities.
As a JDRF employee, I am privileged to work with our families towards a common goal…a cure for our loved ones!
Consultants
We also have several consultants working closely within our chapter:
Emily Rapp, Ride & Major Gifts
Sanda Rosenblum, Public Relations
Linda Short, Schools & Presentations
