Jack’s Pack at 2018 Walk finish line
At the beginning it was scary.
Jackson Allred was 27 months old when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
“We took a baby home from the hospital who had a chronic illness that had no cure,” said Jennifer Allred, his mother and board member of the organization Breakthrough T1D. “We had to give him shots, poke his finger multiple times throughout the day and night.
“It was stressful knowing that we had a baby we had to keep from dying every single day. For caregivers and families in this situation, it can be a heavy mental burden for everyone involved. It is never not part of what you are thinking about. Ever.”
Jennifer and Ken Allred, with son Jackson
Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, is a leading global Type 1 diabetes research and nonprofit advocacy organization that is helping to accelerate scientific discovery, therapeutic development and access to treatments and therapies for children and adults.
Today, thanks to the continued breakthroughs and advances in research, technology and treatments, Jackson is a 22-year-old college student-athlete living independently from his parents. He wears an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) at all times.
While the pump improves the blood glucose control, he must continually check his glucose levels with a CGM. Though not a cure for diabetes, the two devices help manage blood sugar levels while avoiding the wide fluctuations that can occur, preventing the side effects of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
The Allred family
“The technology allows us to monitor his levels from afar while he’s chasing his dreams,” Allred said. “We know he is safe. But our goal is that the research happening today and yet to be done will provide ultimate cures. And what would that entail? A life without insulin. A life without worry. A time when Jackson or anyone else living with diabetes can just go about their daily life eating, working out and maintaining a healthy blood sugar level without ever having to think about it.”
Jennifer and Ken Allred
Allred and her husband, Ken, who have been involved with the nonprofit at multiple levels in the four states they have lived in, are honorees for this year’s Breakthrough T1D Gala, occurring on Saturday, April 5, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. The funds raised, which typically exceed $1 million, will benefit T1D research. The event will include a live and silent auction and entertainment by pianist John Ondrasik of the renowned Five For Fighting.
“I like to call it a night of hope,” Allred said. “For those guests attending who might not know a lot about the disease, it’s an opportunity to take a peek inside the lives of those living with the disease, including our family’s, and learn why it matters we should find a cure.”
In addition to serving as a board member, Allred is also the national advocacy team chair for the organization and, in that role, meets regularly with federal lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to generate awareness of the disease and the importance of research funding.
“Twenty years ago, we were told there was no cure for this disease,” Allred said. “Today, we have the momentum in research and cures on the horizon. Biologic cures, cell therapies, better insulin pumps — we are so hopeful.”
To learn more about T1D, or to purchase tickets to the April 5 gala, please visit breakthrought1d.org/nebraskaiowa.
