Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes - a disease that strikes children, adolescents, and adults suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.  Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 85 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education.  JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.