“We are affected by diabetes, so we do what we can.”  - Salvatore Franco

Meet the Franco Family 

The Franco Family’s story begins like many we’ve heard before, excessive thirst, frequent urination, insatiable appetite, and flu like symptoms. However, in 1973, his pediatrician didn’t have the tools needed to test then 2-year-old, Christopher Franco’s, blood sugar. His mother, Carol, took him to the hospital where she was told that Christopher’s condition was grave. Her concerns about diabetes being the cause were dismissed until she demanded that her son be tested. Carol saved her son’s life that day.

Looking for support after this new diagnosis, the Francos attended a JDRF event in Philadelphia.  Leaving that event inspired, the idea of starting a local chapter was born. The Francos built a close relationship with JDRF Co-Founder, Carol Lurie and just 4 months later founded the Northern NJ and Rockland County Chapter.  They reached out to the Rockland Journal News to raise awareness and started a fundraising journey that filled a need for the local T1D community. But their T1D story doesn’t end there. 17 years later, Carol and Salvatore’s oldest son, Michael, started feeling the all too well-known symptoms and was diagnosed at 25. They have continued their parent’s legacy and are both very involved with JDRF today.  Along with volunteering at multiple events for the New Jersey Metro & Rockland County Chapter, Michael is a Metro Roadster and rides 100 miles in JDRF’s annual Ride To Cure Diabetes and Christopher co-chairs the chapter’s Golf Classic.

As part of JDRF's 50 year commemoration, we are proud to honor the Franco Family’s legacy at the 2020 All In For Our Heroes casino and poker tournament.

For a full interview with brothers Christopher and Michael, please visit the Everyday Heroes blog post.