ITASCA, IL – Emkay, Inc. raised more than $33,000 in 2008 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Donations were raised through individuals, suppliers and partners, as well as Emkay's company match program for the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes Program and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

"Emkay employees really pulled through for the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes this past year. Our entire team and their families personally donated time and money for the cause and demonstrated enthusiasm in their fundraising efforts," said Les Lynott, Emkay's JDRF coordinator.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008. Of this total, more than $88 million represented new scientific projects. More than 85 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. In FY2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants, and fellowships in 22 countries.

Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 3 million Americans. The disease — most often diagnosed in childhood — strikes suddenly, lasts a lifetime, and carries the constant threat of deadly complications.