Why Roger Cook is throwing support behind diabetes research

Perth Now

a day ago

Premier Roger Cook and senior minister Paul Papalia rallied with families affected by type 1 diabetes on the steps of Parliament House last Thursday morning.
Both Mr Cook and Mr Papalia have children who live with the condition, which affects more than 135,000 people nationwide.
Type 1 diabetes prevents the body from producing insulin, which is needed to remove glucose from the bloodstream. If left untreated it can be fatal and cause long-term health complications such as kidney, heart, nerve and eye damage, and gum and tooth disease.
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It is estimated that about 25,000 Australians are in the early stages of T1 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed.
The gathering at Parliament House was part of a broader awareness campaign led by advocacy group Breakthrough T1D ahead of its Blue Tie Gala this month, which hopes to raise more than $1 million for vital research.
Both Mr Cook and Mr Papalia are scheduled to attend the gala.
'Type 1 diabetes doesn't discriminate — it touches families in every corner of our community,' Mr Cook said.
'Today, we stand not only as leaders but as parents united in the mission to raise awareness, drive research and ultimately find a cure.'
Mr Papalia said the event would help fund 'life-changing' breakthroughs in T1D research.
'Living with type 1 diabetes is a relentless challenge, but it's one made easier through community, advocacy and support,' he said.
'Events like the Blue Tie Gala are critical in shining a light on the realities of T1D and helping fund the breakthroughs that can change lives.'
Mt Lawley entrepreneur Ljupco Taneski, who donates 50 per cent of his company's profits to Breakthrough T1D, was also at Parliament House with his family and daughter Caterina, who lives with the condition. Caterina Taneska (9) with her father Ljupco Taneski. Riley Churchman Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
Breakthrough T1D CEO Sydney Yovic said the event, along with the support from the Government and 'generous donors', was incredibly important in the drive towards a cure for T1D.
'The families meeting Premier Cook and Minister Papalia know all too well the burden of living with T1D, and how important it is that we achieve our goal of creating a world without the condition,' she said.
The Blue Tie Gala will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition centre on June 7. Tickets are available at breakthrought1d.org.au/events/blue-tie-ball/.