Maricopa woman honored as volunteer of year

Mitzi Haughn is the Volunteer of the Year for the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The award goes to an individual “who stands out in the crowd and goes one step beyond to help make a difference.” Haughn was described as someone who always has a smile on her face and always says ‘yes.’

“This is quite an honor,” she said.

Haughn is an eight-year resident of Maricopa. She began her journey with JDRF about seven years ago, walking with friends in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. Ironically, two years later, when she was 28, Haughn was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. Her diagnosis inspired her to become more involved in the efforts of the foundation.

“When I got diagnosed, I really wanted to give back anything I could. I remembered JDRF from the walks and thought if I volunteered as much as I could, then maybe, somehow, I could help with diabetes or open up doors for me to help other people deal with diabetes,” said Haughn.

“I’ve been volunteering for JDRF for about five years now, doing everything from the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes clean up crew, to helping at fashion shows for JDRF, to speaking at health fairs to build awareness, to registering guests at the Promise Ball, an annual JDRF gala,” Haughn said.

Her colleagues at the Desert Southwest Chapter call Haughn “a true asset to JDRF, a wonderful volunteer who is always willing to help out wherever she can.”

When Haughn isn’t helping out at the JDRF office, she spends time playing volleyball, dragon boat racing, running or hanging out with her two dogs.

JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes, a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since its inception, JDRF has provided nearly $1.4 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 85 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF’s mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, visit www.jdrfdsw.org.

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