Diabetes charitable organization fields presence at Bob Jones soccer games
The Bob Jones varsity and junior varsity teams hosted the North Alabama division of Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) on March 31. All proceeds from the evening went to the organization. (Contributed)
By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer
MADISON – Through the efforts of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the cooperation of the Bob Jones girls soccer teams, the Patriot girls were playing for something bigger than the score in the two teams’ games on March 31.
Jenni Jeffers, the development coordinator for JDRF in North Alabama, said that JDRF makes an effort to provide assistance and support for youth with type 1 diabetes in the area, and that includes two sisters, Katie and Elsie McManus, who complete on the Bob Jones junior varsity team. All proceeds collected at the two games on March 31 went to JDRF.
“We support them in any capacity,” Jeffers said.
JDRF’s aim is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes, which is informally known as juvenile diabetes. The amount of people diagnosed with type 1 is rising every year, Jeffers said.
“People don’t often realize that it is a potentially deadly disease,” she said. “We’re trying to find a cure.”
Katie said the support of her teammates and coaches is heartwarming and encouraging.
“I think it’s really neat that people you see every day like the other players, coaches, everybody is involved in this,” she said.
The junior varsity team defeated Randolph School 3–0, and the varsity team took down Pope John Paul II High School 2–1 in a match shortened by storms. Both Patriot teams sported blue jerseys with “JDRF” across the front.
The demanding physical nature of school sports and living with type 1 diabetes breeds constant uncertainty, Elsie said.
“You don’t really know what you’re going to be feeling some days,” she said.
Junior varsity head coach Michal Hart said two other girls with type 1 diabetes have been in Bob Jones’ soccer program in recent years, so he and varsity coach Tony Schroeder are relatively seasoned in helping the players balance the two demands.
“They’re really good about checking their numbers,” Hart said.
Overall, Jeffers said spreading awareness at the grassroots level and supporting students with type 1 is a core function of JDRF.
“Having opportunities like this is great to be able to spread the word,” she said.
