BATON ROUGE - The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will host their Mother-Son Dance Thursday, giving families affected by the disease a chance to come together and raise awareness.

JDFR donates more than one million dollars a year to battle Type 1 diabetes. The dance will be held June 23rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel.

31-year-old Michelle Gros was diagnosed with diabetes 27 weeks into her second pregnancy.

"It really caused a lot of damage to my body," Gros said. "Having all the sugar, it caused kidney damage as well."

In order to treat herself, Gros uses a monitor seven times a day to measure her blood sugar levels.  She is also insulin dependant and uses an adhesive pump, which constantly drips insulin.

Gros says taking care of her family is her top priority, so staying healthy is a must.  After reading about the JDRF Mother-Son Dance on social media, she says she has an opportunity to raise money and awareness about diabetes.

"It's a great opportunity for mother and sons to have a special night together, but also to be able to support a cause," Gros said.

To learn more JDRF and the Mother-Son Dance, click here.