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Human Interest

A Mother's Gift of Hope to Her Diabetic Son

Posted: 5/19/2011

Brenda Novak and her son, Thad, now 14 years old.

(NewsUSA) - When Brenda Novak's 5-year-old son, Thad, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, "I was heartbroken," she says. "We've become numb to diabetes, but when it happens to someone you love you realize how dangerous it truly is."

In the last decade, the cases of people living with diabetes jumped more than 40 percent -- almost 26 million Americans. Today, diabetes takes more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined -- claiming the life of one American every three minutes.

Determined to take a stand against the devastating disease, Novak, a bestselling romantic suspense novelist, founded an annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research to raise money for a cure. In honor of a mother's enduring

love for her son, the month-long auction is held each May at www.BrendaNovak.com to coincide with Mother's Day. Last year, the auction brought in $303,000 toward diabetes research, bringing their six-year total to over $1 million.

The event -- going on it's 7th year -- benefits the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), the leading center that shares Novak's commitment to finding a cure for diabetes. The DRI has made significant progress toward a cure for all children and adults, pioneering cell-based therapies and other emerging technologies to restore insulin production for patients with diabetes.

"We need to dedicate time and attention to this problem on a massive scale," says Novak. After touring the DRI, she's steadfast in her belief that the Institute is the best place for the proceeds. "Going to the DRI enabled me to assure my son that we will see a cure some day -- and made me confident that it will be some day soon."

Auction participants can show their support for a diabetes cure and score a perfect Mother's Day gift. Among the most popular items in this year's auction: jewelry, eReaders, iPads, autographed novels and Coach purses and wallets. If you're looking to splurge, higher-end items run the gamut from an African safari and other trips and hotel stays to an $8,500 ring similar to the one Prince William gave Kate Middleton.

Literary buffs will enjoy bidding on lunches with famous authors Diana Gabaldon and Steve Berry, or a stay at Nora Roberts' romantic inn.

"I always hoped we'd be able to be successful, but never in my wildest dreams would I have anticipated the steady outpouring of support we've received each year," says Novak. "It's given me great hope in humanity."

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