Two Georgia Chapter volunteers recently received the highest Breakthrough T1D honors. Barbara Williams and Barry Falcon were both honored for their continued commitment and dedication to Breakthrough T1D.

On September 30th, Barbara Williams was one of only two volunteers nationwide who received the Erwin Lurie Volunteer of the Year Award. This esteemed award was presented at the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors meeting in New York.

Barbara has been an active volunteer with the Breakthrough T1D Georgia Chapter since her now 26 year-old son, Teddy was diagnosed with T1D at 18 months. Over the last 25 years, she has worked tirelessly to support Breakthrough T1D’s mission and the Breakthrough T1D Georgia Chapter’s goals, having held multiple leadership positions. In addition to helping fund a cure for T1D, Barbara actively supports and advocates for all people affected by T1D, from her words of encouragement to a newly diagnosed family to urging state legislators and U.S. senators and representatives to support Breakthrough T1D’s mission.

For years, Barry Falcon has been a staple in the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes program, riding for his son Michael who was diagnosed with T1D in 2002 at the age of 12. This year, the Lake Tahoe Ride in September marked Barry’s 33rd ride! Before the year is over, he will have tackled rides in Greenville and Nashville, finishing the season with 35 under his belt.

In honor of his fighting spirit, commitment to Breakthrough T1D and the Ride program, Barry was presented with the Rose Promise Jersey on September 13th. Each year, the National Ride staff presents this jersey in honor of a rider, Rose, who unfortunately passed away, but during her last ride in Lake Tahoe, challenged her colleagues to keep riding until there was a cure for T1D. The Rose Promise Jersey is the one of the highest honors that a rider can receive. Click here to view Barry accepting his award.

We congratulate and salute Barbara and Barry for their ongoing support to Breakthrough T1D and the Georgia Chapter!