Progress being made in fight against disease

In response to Richard Brown (“Money to find cures doesn't seem to help,” Sept. 19 letter), who was lamenting the lack of cures for cancer, diabetes and muscular dystrophy: Do your research! Yes, the sad reality is people still die from these diseases but real progress is being made on all fronts.

I am not an expert on cancer but have dedicated my personal and professional life to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leading funder of diabetes research and is making huge strides. The artificial pancreas is a few short years from the market. While not a biological cure, some would argue it is a mechanical one - removing the daily life-threatening struggle of balancing insulin with food and exercise. JDRF is partnering with the pharmaceutical industry in some valuable research.

These companies are smart enough to know that someone will discover a way to create new insulin-producing cells and many are in the hunt to be that company. Work is being done on vaccines. Please visit JDRF.org. You will be shocked to see the progress being made to eradicate this awful disease. Cures do not come quickly but many organizations, including JDRF, are passionately working to do just that - find a cure!

Ann Elise Walsh

Executive Director,

Eastern Iowa Chapter

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Cedar Rapids