Parents are undeniably a powerful force and Paul and Diane bring new meaning to parents' love and dedication. Their drive and determination are fueled by the love and passion they have for their children. The Mannings', parents of three, two of whom have Type 1 Diabetes are dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes, through their donations and fundraising efforts.

The Mannings' journey to cure Type 1 Diabetes began when their second child, Katie, now 16, was diagnosed at 8 years of age. Seven years later, they received an additional reason to continue their fight. Their firstborn son, Brad, now 17 was diagnosed. They also have another son, Bryan, now 12, who does not have diabetes. Not wanting their children to be victim to this 24-hour a day devastating disease, they set out to change their predicted futures. They began to investigate all of the major diabetes research programs around the world and began to formulate a vision for raising funds for research.

"We want to find a cure and the harder we work, the closer we will get. Without the kindness and generosity of family, friends and business colleagues, we would not have been able to accomplish what we have," remarks Paul.

Through their personal mission to make a difference in the lives of all those with Type 1 Diabetes, the Mannings have donated more than $500,000 to the University of Virginia's Health System Center for Cellular Transplantation and created the Islet Replacement Research Foundation.

Not only have the Manning's efforts resulted in the funds to fuel research, but they have also had a significant impact on their children as well. "Diabetes is only one part of my life. Our parents have always fit diabetes into our lifestyle, rather than fitting our lifestyle around diabetes. Diabetes never has and never will deny us from doing anything. This is one of the many insights our parents have always instilled in us," said Manning's daughter, Katie.