DM names diabetes foundation as beneficiary

Group funds research for disease that afflicts 17 million Americans

By Corrie Driebusch

The Daily Northwestern

Dance Marathon’s executive committee announced its primary beneficiary Monday — the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

This is the foundation’s second year applying for the position. Every year between 40 and 60 foundations apply to be the primary beneficiary, said Elaine Kanak, executive co-chairwoman of DM.

“There are always so many amazing charities and it’s a very difficult decision to make,” said Melissa Borschnack, the other co-chairwoman.

The foundation funds Type 1 diabetes research and monitors research for all types of diabetes around the world.

Diabetes is a disease that affects more than 17 million Americans and can lead to complications such as kidney failure, amputation and heart attack.

“We are thrilled, excited and very appreciative to be chosen,” said Amy Franze, executive director of the foundation in Illinois.

This year’s primary beneficiary, Have Dreams, a foundation helping autistic children, received $319,997.

Rob Buckley, the foundation’s liaison to DM, who has been involved with the foundation since 1992, said he has been “working diligently” to find a cure because his wife is diabetic. Everyone on the foundation’s board is in some way affected by the disease.

The executive committee also named DM’s secondary beneficiary.

For the eighth year in a row, DM will contribute to the Evanston Community Foundation, a group that gives grants to programs serving the community. The group received $25,945 this year from DM.

“It’s a great way to give back to the place we call home for four years,” Borschnack said.

The executive committee held an information session during Dance Marathon weekend with interested foundations, Borschnack said. From there each potential beneficiary completed an extensive proposal.

The committee then narrowed down its options, finally choosing the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at its meeting May 9. DM officers announced the committee’s decision to foundation representatives Sunday evening.

“(Diabetes) is a cause that affects a lot more people than you’d guess at first,” Kanak said.

The DM executive committee will work with Buckley to decide on the specific type of research grant DM will give to the foundation.

Buckley said although the monetary donation will be important for diabetes research, the act of dancing to raise it also is very appropriate.

Diabetes is the largest cause of non-accidental amputation and also causes circulatory problems, making a large number diabetes patients unable to dance.

DM will be a type of tribute to them, Buckley said.

“Insulin is not a cure for diabetes — it is only a life support,” Buckley said. “With the help of the dancers and other volunteers, we will be one step closer to finally curing this debilitating disease.”