Those of you who have followed my JaneBlog for a couple years know that every year I do something special to support Brenda Novak’s auction to raise money to find a cure for diabetes. Diabetes runs in my family. My Grandfather Porter’s mother died in her twenties from diabetes, leaving behind two young children. Insulin hadn’t been discovered yet and this young beautiful mother of two essentially starved to death without insulin. Today we do have insulin, but its not a cure, and even with managing one’s blood sugar, diabetes is still destructive and dangerous.
And this is why I throw myself behind each of Brenda’s auctions. The auctions are so well run, and so full of great things that I go a little bit crazy bidding every year. I don’t buy everything, but each year I do end up with something special. Last year I ended up winning a wonderful lunch with Randall Toye, a top Harlequin VP. Randall took me to a waterfront restaurant in San Francisco during the RWA Conference and we talked about books, life, and my career. It’s not often a Harlequin author gets to buy a VP and bend his/her ear for an hour or two, so it was a rare treat and a smart career investment. Brenda has lots of opportunities like this for writers this year, too, opportunities to be read (and to meet!) some of the top agents and editors in the business, along with lunches and dinner with some of your favorite authors. So take your time, check out all the wonderful donations, and maybe you’ll find something you just can’t live without.
Speaking of donations, this year I’m giving away another trip, another year of books and treats from me, along with several signed books and goodies.
To whet your appetite for the 6 night get away for two to Seattle and Victoria, BC, (a travel package that includes air, hotel, ferry transportation to and from Victoria, and a lunch or dinner with me while you’re in Seattle) you’ll want to watch the video, Online Auction for Diabetes Research Spotlight: Jane Porter.
If you’re interested in one of the other items, like being my buddy for the next year, and receiving signed books, and gifts and treats from me each month for 12 months (June 2009 – May 2010), check out: A Year of Books and Treats from Jane Porter.
I’m also giving away a signed ARC of Easy On The Eyes and 
a Frog Prince package consisting of a soft, plush green frog, a signed copy of The Frog Prince, and a gorgeous purse from Seattle designer designer L. Erickson. (And for those of you who love Flirting with Forty, Marilyn Shoemaker has donated a signed copy of to the auction as well!).
So browse Brenda’s auction and let me know what looks good to you! The online auction runs from May 1st through May 31st and the many of the wonderful items are available to view now.
My daughter Alison suffers from Type 1 diabetes. She just had her 11th anniversary of her date of diagnosis this past March. Ali was seven years old when she was diagnosed. The changes in treatment have gotten so much better in the eleven years she has lived with this disease.
Brenda’s auction is wonderful. She is doing such a great service. I remember when her son was diagnosed. It is such a feeling of helplessness when your child is diagnosed. I know that I wished for a way to help the cause. I found my way by helping in the school system.
I can’t wait for the auction to start. I might not be able to bid on your trips but I certainly am going to try and win the year of books and treats by Jane. The ipod gift basket by Brenda Novak also catches my eye.
This is a wonderful cause. I get choked up reading it. My mother died at 55 from complications of diabetes, as did my grandmother though she was much older. But last week, one of my very best friends Carla, died of complications of diabetes. She was only 43. People just dont realize how deadly diabetes is.
Wow, I love that you give so generously to such a worthwhile cause!
And I would love to be the winning bidder on that trip of yours, my brother lives in Victoria and I don’t see him yet, and of course I would love the chance to come to Seattle to meet my favorite author!
Bravo Jane!
Wow, this is an wonderful cause! I applaud all who are helping and getting involved!! I think the thing that catches my eye the most is the year full of Jane books and goodies!
You are so wonderful to do this! My 19 year old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 when she was 15 and lost her father to the disease when she was only 6 (he was 44). I really *hate* this disease! I’d love to see it cured in my lifetime.
Yes, diabetes is a serious disease. As of May 1, I will personally be celebrating 30 years since I buried type 1 diabetes (no complications)and started living a sweet life. My heart goes out to all…who have had to deal with diabetes.
Lots of hugs, Julie 🙂
Good for you for supporting such a great cause! My little brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 3, and although he’s 23 now and managing just fine, I worry about him a lot!
Jane, you are always amazing…so much going on in your life yet you still stay involved with the auction. What a great person & role model you are!
I could not hold back the tears reading this blog. When my 9 year old daughter was 6, the onset of diabetes almost took her life. Her kidneys had shut down, celiac disease was setting in, and her other organs began suffering. She was hospitalized, and I felt my whole world crumbling around me. (At the time I had a 4 day old son, who now has his own medical conditions). I had worked for 6 years, and 9 months (in the womb) to protect her. Today, she is homeschooled, active, and brilliant…but, everyday, she plays the role of a pin cushion due to being an “intensive managment” diabetic. At times I have wanted to give up…watching her endure the emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental pain of this condition. Your gift shows your irredescent heart….your beautiful light! We are going to check out the “Amazing Auction” as a family tonight. Gratitude and hugs to you!
I LOVE your books. Thought I would check your website to see when to expect the next one. And here I am commenting on your blog regarding diabetes — this is a first for me! My 13 almost 14 year old son was diagnosed a year ago. Wow — what a journey. What a special son I have! As a caregiver this disease truly rips your heart out. I will definitely check out the auction. Thank you…