JDRF: Why did you become involved with JDRF?
MFC: My son Tyler was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes three years ago, when he was 11 years old. Shortly after, Terry Johnson, President of the Silicon Valley Branch board and Courtney Moynihan, Development Manager, approached me regarding JDRF. My wife Lisa and I both feel that it is critical to find a cure for diabetes and we were extremely impressed with the focus and dedication of the JDRF volunteers and staff. I showed up at the first Silicon Valley Board Meeting and found myself volunteering to attend the JDRF National Meeting. It’s been a great experience getting to know a lot of talented, motivated people all working for a common cause.
JDRF: What is your greatest achievement while being involved with JDRF?
MFC: As the vice president of Government Relations, I hope that I have been able to build upon the foundation of others to take the program and the goals of JDRF to the next step. So far we have a successful track record of visiting local congressional offices and representatives in Washington D.C., as well as call-in efforts to support specific legislation. I am continually impressed with how much of an impact a group like JDRF is able to have at the national level. The legislative process is no longer an abstract event that happens back in D.C.; it touches everyone with diabetes.
JDRF: What has been your most rewarding experience while involved with JDRF?
MFC: The most rewarding experience for me so far was when we were able to get 11 of the 12 Bay Area members of the House of Representatives and our Senators to sign a letter supporting special funding for research for Type 1 diabetes through the National Institute of Health. This doesn’t mean that a bill has passed in our favor yet, but it is important to get support wherever we are able.
JDRF: What one thing would you still like to achieve?
MFC: I would love to continue with the effort of extending the Special Diabetes Funding legislation for another five years and get the amounts increased from its current $100 million/yr.
JDRF: What about JDRF inspires you?
MFC: The people are really incredible. The parents, the children, the local staff and the national organization are great. I am inspired by what they have been able to accomplish. The fund-raising power, the fiscal responsibility and the ability to influence research are an amazing combination.
JDRF: What do you think it will take to find a cure?
MFC: More research is essential. To do that research we will want the best minds and the best teams focused on finding a cure. Of course, this all means much more funding is needed.
JDRF: What would you do if a cure were found?
MFC: I will feel a great sense of relief. I tell Tyler that we are in a footrace; it is my job to do whatever I can to help find a cure and it’s his job to manage his health the best way he can to be able to take advantage of new developments.
JDRF: What inspiring words would you say to a child who has just been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes?
MFC: Keep a strong, positive attitude. A cure is on the way, and in the meantime new things are coming that will make life with diabetes easier.
JDRF: If you were able to be face to face with President Bush or Congress what would you say to them regarding juvenile diabetes?
MFC: Not nearly enough attention is paid to what is probably the number one chronic childhood illness today. I would ask that they promise to remember all of the children with diabetes and the affect the illness will have on their bodies and lives. We need to find a cure now.
JDRF: Who are your heroes?
MFC: I see many heroes – the children who are handling their diabetes better than I could; the parents and individuals who are volunteering for such a good cause, pulling off amazing feats; the staff for whom Type 1 diabetes is much more than a job and the researchers who are working over time to find a cure.
JDRF: What is your motto?
MFC: Just do it!
Interview by Beth Rifkin for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Greater Bay Area Chapter
