Breakthrough T1D, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), is a nonprofit founded in 1970 to accelerate life- changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications. The organization invests in research and advocacy to help those with T1D live fuller, healthier lives.
Since 2001, FMH has donated over $684,157 to Breakthrough T1D in addition to employee contributions. FMH is also a presenting sponsor of the Breakthrough T1D Walk, held annually each spring near FMH’s Home Office in the Greater Des Moines, Iowa area.
 | I have been a Type 1 diabetic myself for 23 years now, so this organization is near and dear to me! Breakthrough T1D has made great strides with their research and technology and is so close to finding a cure. |
| In 2019, our son Jackson was diagnosed with T1D at the age of two. The disease is very manageable, but it’s also something I hope no other child or adult has to go through just to live their life. It is awesome to work for a company like FMH that gives so much of their time and money toward helping find a cure for T1D! |
 | Three years ago, my oldest granddaughter, Charleigh, was diagnosed with T1D. Through the generous support of donors like FMH and its employees, we raise money to support research with the hope that those we love don’t have to go through what my granddaughter goes through on a daily basis. |
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the top charitable funder of childhood cancer research grants in the U.S. and around the world, with more than $356 million raised since 2005. The organization coordinates its signature head-shaving events around the world, giving volunteers the opportunity to “rock the bald” in solidarity with kids fighting cancer.
FMH became involved with St. Baldrick’s in 2006, when the first FMH head-shaving event raised $29,998 for childhood cancer. Since then, FMH’s annual event has grown in size, attendance, and money raised year over year. FMH is proud to have raised over $1.6 million total for St. Baldrick’s. In 2024, FMH President & CEO Shannon Rutledge was appointed to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Board of Directors.
 | My wife and I have been steadfast supporters of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. As parents, grandparents, and as a cancer survivor myself, we believe that every child deserves a future full of possibilities, health, and hope. |
 | Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes, and FMH team members have felt the weight of this firsthand. That’s why I’m so proud of our team’s work for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and proud to sit on the St. Baldrick’s Board of Directors myself. |
 | Twenty years ago, we were approached with the crazy idea of holding a head shaving event to raise money for St. Baldrick’s. To our relief and amazement, the event was a lot of fun and we raised $30,000! For me, this was the perfect opportunity to give back and help with further research. |