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Attention to detail has always been a strong suit for Chris Bardos, Co-Founder, Partner, and CFO at Ascend Advisory Group. This is why when his son Philip was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, he pivoted his mission, to locating the best solution for finding a cure.
Chris’ son Philip was an exceptional high school athlete in Soccer and Track, and maintains great physical fitness. Philip is very accomplished in academics as well with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University and finished at the top of his class with a Master of Science degree in Medical Physics from Virginia Commonwealth University. He now works as a Board-Certified Medical Physicist in Austin, Texas. Life however, threw him a curveball after a medical diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes about 4 years ago. The day-to-day management of the disease is difficult. However, Philip keeps disciplined with an excel spreadsheet that he built to track his intakes and sugar levels. His endocrinologist said “You can teach other diabetics on how to manage their condition.” The reality for many facing the disease is that they lack the resources and education around how to manage it on a daily basis.
Shortly after the diagnosis, a conversation between Chris and his son flourished about ways to help to find a cure and various organizations that aid in that mission. “Before this, I was unaware of just how risky diabetes was. I want my son to have a healthy life, like any dad would. Now I want to help to do my part in finding a cure.” says Chris. Chris, then went right to work in researching the many organizations that aid in that mission. This was just like another day in the life of a Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager as Chris spent time analyzing the balance sheets and financial statements of many of the organizations, before finally landing on the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.
Chris says, “We are in a business that is geared around problem solving. I spent many hours looking into many of these types of organizations. I wanted to donate to more than just funding awareness and administration. What I liked and what stood out about the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, is that the majority of their money is used for research to finding a real cure, versus some of the bloat that can occur in many of the other 501(c)(3) organizations in the marketplace.”
From the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation website:
“The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate, and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission - to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now - is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes.”
Some highlights on various interactions that Chris has had with the organization include receiving handwritten notes from the Senior Director of Philanthropy, as well as newsletter updates, research notes on progressions within the field and specialty campaigns during their fundraising drives.
“I raised my children to find their passion and follow it. Because of what has changed in our family’s health, it’s my passion and part of my mission to help find a cure.
For more information on the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and how you can get involved. Please visit their website at: https://www.diabetesresearch.org/
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