Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation holds cocktail party in

Since his daughter Margo was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes nine years ago, Dr. Michael Barber said he has felt like Don Quixote with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as his "windmill."

Barber spoke to guests at a VIP cocktail party at the home of Tom and Marilyn Stoen on Jan. 23, which provided a sneak peak of upcoming activities, including the 2008 Promise Ball on May 9 at Broadmoor Hall.

When Margo was diagnosed, Barber said he looked in the phone book, dialed the JDRF number and discovered that the phone had been disconnected. He decided to make juvenile diabetes his passion, and today the organization raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for research and services for people with Type 1 diabetes throughout the region.

On the cold evening, guests walked on a path through new-fallen snow to the historic Tudor mansion Mesacrest in Old Broadmoor. There they were greeted by JDRF branch manager Lynn Page and her staff.

Gathering in the kitchen with its striking red enameled cabinets, guests enjoyed a glass of wine as they greeted friends and enjoyed the buffet by Cravings in the adjacent formal dining room.

Andi Chernushin, board president and co-chairwoman of the Promise Ball with Michelle Talarico, stood on the entry staircase and told guests about the support system available to the families of children diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Once the nonprofit learns about the diagnosis, it contacts the child and the family. Along with the gift of a cuddly bear for the child, each family is given a "bag of hope" to help explain the disease and the resources available.

Diabetes nurse educator Leigh MacHaffie was introduced as the 2008 Gala honoree.

MacHaffie works with newly diagnosed diabetes patients and volunteers with indigent diabetes patients.

Host Tom Stoen chatted with friends interested in seeing "before and after" pictures of the mansion he and his wife Marilyn restored to its 1920s splendor.

Among guests enjoying the kickoff reception were Tim Hoiles and Lorie Mundo, Vicki Dimond, Jan McCauley, Walter Gerber, Ray and Linda Renneberger, Christy Walsh, Melissa Svenby, June Chan, Tim Buxton, Joe Cole, Greg Chernushin, Debbie and Claude Comito, Wendy Pierce Nelson and Hal Ward.

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