Rumson Country Day Nurse Named JDRF Healthcare Hero

Rumson Country Day School Nurse, Anne Kerr, will be recognized as Healthcare Hero of the Year at JDRF’s “Cheers to our Heroes” tasting event on the evening of Friday, March 23rd at Navesink Country Club. As Healthcare Hero, Anne will accept the award in recognition of her unwavering passion and commitment to JDRF’s mission and her commitment to the students in her school living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), as well as her personal story as a parent of a child with T1D. "I was incredibly lucky to have Mrs. Kerr as my school nurse when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was only twelve years old, scared and completely overwhelmed by the diagnosis. Mrs. Kerr called while we were still in the hospital after I was diagnosed to say that everything was going to be ok. She met with me and my mom every day in school to help us learn how to live with & manage diabetes-but most importantly she convinced me that I would have a full, long, healthy, active life. I will forever be grateful for her love, support and guidance,” said former T1D student, Drew Frankel.

As an independent educational institution, Rumson Country Day School (RCDS) – alongside Anne Kerr, its faculty and student community – grew their commitment to excellence by serving as fierce leaders in the fight against Type One. As a dedicated nurse with 36 years of nursing experience, Anne has spent 17 years caring for multiple students with diabetes at RCDS while also helping a growing number of students with chronic health issues, providing emergency care and connecting with community partners to provide additional health services. “Anne is so much more than an excellent practitioner. She is caring & sympathetic, proactive & calm in an emergency. She deals with each child individually, with empathy & attention to detail as well as respect as she helps all of us with our physical & emotional needs. In one’s hour of need – whether it’s a band aid for a skinned knee or skilled knowledge of type 1 diabetes – Anne Kerr is nothing less than an angel,” said Rumson Country Day Head of School, Jayne Geiger.

In 2005, Anne’s son, Gregory, was diagnosed. Always an advocate for her students and son with T1D, she has worked hard to bring normalcy to their lives and support for their days managing their diabetes. “It is my dream and mission to see a cure for type 1 diabetes. I am humbled to be recognized as the 2018 Healthcare Hero and to share JDRF’s vision in finding a cure and better treatments for T1D,” said Anne.

More than 150 supporters are expected to attend this year’s inaugural Cheers to our Heroes event and experience an exciting evening of exploring New Jersey’s libationary scene with vendors, distilleries and brews from the Garden State and beyond. In addition to the award recognition the event will feature a “Raise Your Glass” pledge drive where 100 percent of tax-deductible contributions drive funding for critical JDRF research priorities.

Individual tickets start at $175 and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, go to: http://www.jdrf.org/newjerseymetro/events/cheers-to-our-heroes/ or contact Development Manager, Nicole Lewis at the JDRF New Jersey Metro and Rockland County Chapter at 732-292-6654 or nlewis@jdrf.org

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF.