TODAY Gives Back is an occasional series that features the charity and volunteer work of TODAY anchors. This week, allDAY's Anna Wiggin speaks with Amy Robach about her involvement with the Juvenile Diabetes Relief Foundation and Do Something.
What inspired you to get involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Relief Foundation?
I have two cousins with juvenile diabetes. They both contracted the disease before the age of 5, and it was so heartbreaking watching them go through daily blood tests and injections. It is such a difficult disease to live with and requires constant attention; a tough thing to explain to a child. When I was approached to work with and ultimately become a board member of the Washington, D.C., JDRF chapter, I didn’t hesitate. So much has been done over the past decade to help with blood monitoring and quality of life, but it requires significant fundraising for research to one day find a cure.
What advice would you offer to friends and families who are affected by juvenile diabetes?
Be diligent and remain hopeful. Yes, it’s difficult to maintain such a strict diet and stay on top of your blood levels, but not doing so can be fatal or disfiguring. I saw the struggles my two cousins have had over the years and I truly sympathize. I do think with the brilliant doctors we have working around the clock to fight this disease, one day there will be a cure.
Has your charity work changed you as a person?
When I give my time to a worthy cause, it's time well spent. Lending a voice to help raise money -- or perhaps just awareness -- is the least I can do to give back. When I spend time with people who are fighting for children, it puts everything into perspective.
What is your roll with Do Something, and what aspects are you passionate about?
My husband, Andrew Shue, is the co-founder of Do Something, and we both speak and present at awards ceremonies. It's absolutely amazing and humbling to see all the work so many young people are contributing to better their communities on both a local and global front. They are truly making a difference and inspiring other young people to do the same.
Are there any experiences with JDRF/Do Something that have particularly moved you during your charity work?
It is an honor to spend time with such incredible people, and I cherish my contributions. It gives me hope that this world can be a better place.