Why I Volunteer | A Volunteer’s Impact

The passionate volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, expertise and resources toward achieving our shared vision of a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D) are the force behind Breakthrough T1D. Volunteers fill a myriad of roles locally, regionally and nationally, from delivering Bags of Hope to newly diagnosed children and their families to organizing fundraising events to serving on committees for chapter events.

During National Volunteer Week,  every day, we are proud to feature a few of the many volunteers who go above and beyond in their efforts to make life better for every person touched by T1D.

Debbie Rollins

Deb & familyDebbie with her husband, Ray, and their children, Chase and Colette

What is your personal connection to Breakthrough T1D?

In 1982, I was diagnosed with Type One diabetes at the age of 11.  I had never heard of diabetes before and did not realize how it would change my life forever. Many years later while teaching, our gym teacher decided to host a Breakthrough T1D Kids Walk.  I was impressed with organization and immediately drawn into the organization. I first began volunteering by helping out in the office with Kids Walks.  Since then, I have volunteered for the fall walks, Gala, Golf Tournament, and Wildwood walk. 

Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with Breakthrough T1D.

I have two favorite and memorable volunteer moments with Breakthrough T1D.  The first was in May of 2012.  While attending the Presidential dinner, I was awarded with Volunteer of the Year.  I couldn’t believe that was I was being thanked in such a way for doing what I love to do and always feeling like I could and wanted to do more.  Breakthrough T1D is a very gratifying organization to volunteer for.  My other favorite memory was working the floor of the Gala during the Pledge to Cure.  The many people who were there in attendance raising their paddles giving hundreds and thousands of dollars for a cure! I was so overwhelmed by their generosity. It was an emotional and fantastic moment.

What advice would you like to share with the world about Breakthrough T1D?

Breakthrough T1D knows how to run a nonprofit organization! A large amount of donations collected go directly where needed – improving lives of all Type 1 diabetics, educating communities about the disease and finding a cure! My life as a diabetic has been improved and a cure is very close! And we have Breakthrough T1D to thank!

When you’re not volunteering with Breakthrough T1D, what do you like to do?

When I am not volunteering with Breakthrough T1D, I like to spend time with my family. My husband, Ray, son, Chase and daughter, Colette, are also volunteers for Breakthrough T1D.  It is just a part of lives! A great part!


Phil Fizuradvocacy team

Phil (second from L), pictured with Breakthrough T1D Advocacy Team Volunteers on Capitol Hill attending 2017 Government Day

Pictured L to R: Gisele Misieczko, Phil Fizur, Lara Schwager and Fred Sacks

Tell us a little about yourself and your personal connection to Breakthrough T1D.

I have two connections to Breakthrough T1D. First and foremost I became involved to support my father. He was a T1D diagnosed at age 9. He led an amazing life and never let diabetes get in his way.
While he ultimately succumbed to complications of the disease he led an inspired life and I wanted to help make sure everyone with T1D has the same opportunity. Along the way I had two cousins diagnosed in childhood and an aunt diagnosed later in life which only strengthened by desire to raise awareness and support.

Professionally, I am a health psychologist. I see a number of newly diagnosed T1Ds in the hospital where I work and I wanted to advocate on their behalf as well. I am dedicated to helping all, but especially those who need extra support due to social, emotional, or economic stressors. My hope is that these factors at some point stop being barriers to good self-management and overall treatment of T1D.

Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with Breakthrough T1D.

Without a doubt my first ever walk, which was also one of my first experiences as a volunteer. I had volunteered for similar events for other organizations in the past but never felt as much part of a community as I did that day. I felt less like I was there just to address logistics and more like I was part of a community doing meaningful work to support a great cause. I will never forget the people I met that day and the stories they shared with me when I approached them to offer help or talk about advocacy, some of whom still recognize me each year at the walk and other events, and I love hearing their updates!

Is there anything Breakthrough T1D can do to make your experience as a volunteer better?

Nothing I can think of. Breakthrough T1D is such a well-constructed, cohesive organization of people passionate about making a difference for T1Ds. I wish there was more I could do!

What inspires you?

I am sure plenty of people give this answer, but the folks living their lives with T1D who make it seem so easy! Having lived with my father for so long I had exposure to the various ways managing diabetes can interfere with your daily life. Seeing people, especially our younger T1Ds, exhibiting strength and independents beyond their year in managing their diabetes without letting it interfere with their lives or limit them is truly inspirational and something that keeps me passionate about wanting to help out wherever I can.


Lorraine Silk lorraine and tim

Lorraine and her husband, Tim

What is your personal connection to Breakthrough T1D?

My Daughter Sarah was diagnosed in 2006 and I was given Breakthrough T1D’s number from my sister-in-law to contact for support.  After the initial call I was told about the OneWalk and after two years of attending the walk, Breakthrough T1D office approached me about volunteering on the walk committee.  Nine years later and I am still actively involved in the walk committee. 

Since those nine years I have also been asked to volunteer for our outreach committee, Summit, the spring Wildwood OneWalk and the Gala.  Each event is unique and different and inspiring in so many ways- working these committees I get the opportunity to meet many families and feel more inspired to help Breakthrough T1D in leading the way to find a CURE. 

I am not made of money so I am limited in funding for a CURE, but I have my time.  I owe it to my daughter to give of my time to help this great organization and together put HOPE in finding THAT CURE…

Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with Breakthrough T1D.

It was the Fall of 2012 and the walk was on the day of the pending Hurricane Sandy arrival.  I thought for sure when I showed up that morning that we would have to cancel the walk- We could see the storm font just hanging over the Schuylkill River but that storm front held back and we were able to have the Walk and not only have it but the turnout was amazing and such a huge success—God’s hands in amazing ways knew we needed to get our OneWalk in..

What advice would you like to share with the world about Breakthrough T1D?

When being told your child has diabetes – you feel lost-alone-angry-sad.  But having the ability to connect with this awesome group of people and this Chapter has been amazing.  I could  not make this journey alone without the Staff and the connections of families I have met and will meet in the future till there is a CURE.  Together we are stronger..And I have Breakthrough T1D to thank for that.

When you’re not volunteering with Breakthrough T1D, what do you like to do?

Well I would love to sleep but -being a T1D mom it’s not an option… LOL,  I enjoy reading and gardening and taking our dog for long walks.  Cheering the kids on at their soccer games- and just enjoying Family time I am very blessed.


Chrissie Greatrex Chrissie and George

Chrissie and her husband, George.

How long have you been involved with Breakthrough T1D?

Since my daughter, Emily was diagnosed in November 1999 at age 9. I jumped right in on the first gala committee which was held in April 2000. 

Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with Breakthrough T1D.

Well, this past Saturday night at the annual gala when we broke records and raised an amazing $530,000 was pretty darn great!! Also, when my daughter was 12 she was the So. Jersey rep. for Children’s Congress in DC. That whole experience was memorable, from sitting on the floor of the senate, to the Gala we attended at the NYC chapter where the kids were honored at the end of the weekend. So proud of her and to be a part of the such a meaningful movement.

When we first came to Breakthrough T1D So. Jersey there was very little staff. Two people, then one…I have watched this office grow to the magnitude it is today with much pride.  There was no “bag of hope” at our branch, we got that going and I do have to say delivering those to the newly diagnosed children and their parents was a pretty daunting task, but Emily and I got better at it and was so happy that we were able to help them feel more at ease. It was good for US too.

There was one baby who was 9 mons. old…I recently heard from a friend of her mother’s that she is doing great! Now 17 years old!

How would you encourage others to volunteer with Breakthrough T1D?  

Well, if they didn’t have a person who is affected (most do) I would say that it really is the “low hanging fruit” when it comes to finding the cure, I’d tell them we WILL see this through in our lifetime, how satisfying is that??

When you’re not volunteering with Breakthrough T1D, what do you like to do?

Volunteer….;) at my church, and I mentor a young girl, I love to garden, spend time in our vacation home in the Poconos, I still have my two kids at home as well as the hubby and 2 dogs, just being a full time, mom, wife, housekeeper, cook etc. keeps me pretty busy! I love to go to Pilates (keeps me sane) and the gym when I can. Walk my dogs a mile daily, and I love to cook. We have a very busy social life with lots of friends- a very full life!

I have found more that volunteerism, in Breakthrough T1D So. Jersey I have found a family like none other, I am so honored to be among such dedicated staff and volunteers, they are an amazing group of people and as much as we work hard and enjoy each others company, we never forget what we are there for. To ease the burden of Type 1 Diabetes from out loved ones. I pray we see that day soon.


alana

Alana Bradley

Alana (center) pictured with South Jersey Chapter’s Executive Director, Nanette Gerst and Board President, Tom Deeney

Tell us a little about yourself and your personal connection to Breakthrough T1D.

I came late to the volunteer life. My oldest child, Sam was diagnosed with T1D when he was 8 years old and I was in my early 40s. At the time our two younger girls were 18 months and 3 months old, so we were overwhelmed to say to the least.

The first year with T1D was hard, but after that I started looking for some way to help find a cure. Since then our family has been involved with Breakthrough T1D. I started small by fundraising for the Walk to Cure Diabetes (now called OneWalk), and after a few years, I was invited to help with the Kids Walk Program.

For Kids Walk, I recruit schools, stuff envelopes, count money, and sometimes run Assemblies or attend Kids Walks. My children help out in the office by stuffing envelopes or counting money. My husband, son, and I help on Gala Night and my daughters and I help prepare for the Gala. My entire family helps raise money for OneWalk. I’ve even helped with Golf. My background is in sales, so fundraising comes naturally to me, but until I found Breakthrough T1D, I’ve never put my skills to such a wonderful purpose. I would say my personal connection started when my son was diagnosed, but without the wonderful Breakthrough T1D family of staff and volunteers I would not continue to volunteer.

Share with us something about one of your favorite volunteer moments with Breakthrough T1D.

I don’t have a favorite moment, but I can share something I’ve seen again and again. I also volunteer for the Gala, and each year I am touched to the point of tears by the generosity of people during the Fund A Cure portion of the Gala program where people raise their paddles to make donations directly to Breakthrough T1D. I watched this year while one man raised his paddle again and again making multiple donations. I’ve known this man and his family through Breakthrough T1D and watchen them give their time and money to Breakthrough T1D for years, and I’m always amazed by the giving nature he demonstrates. What I described here could be anyone at the Gala event (but the man is real). The Breakthrough T1D family is full of individuals who give of their time and money in ways that I’ve never seen anywhere else. It is inspiring and humbling to see that level of giving!

Is there anything Breakthrough T1D can do to make your experience as a volunteer better?

More snacks in the office. (Just kidding). When my girls were younger they loved coming to the Breakthrough T1D office to volunteer because they could also eat yummy snacks while they worked. They now bring their friends and work together on projects. I can’t think of a better example of how easy Breakthrough T1D makes it for our family to volunteer than to say that when my kids bring their friends, you KNOW they enjoy being a part of the Breakthrough T1D family. I joke that when I walk in the door at Breakthrough T1D, I feel like Norm walking into Cheers because everyone is so welcoming!

What advice would you like to share with the world about volunteering with Breakthrough T1D.

It is SO easy to volunteer for Breakthrough T1D. Please, just call your local chapter and tell them you want to help. There are so many different events going on all year long – there is sure to be something that will interest you and help Breakthrough T1D! You benefit too! You will meet new people and find a purpose bigger than yourself; the satisfaction you receive for helping someone else is lasting and real! One thing that I didn’t imagine when I started volunteering for Breakthrough T1D is how truly wonderful the staff is in our Chapter in South Jersey. Somehow I thought they would be “staff” like any other organization. I was wrong. The staff in my chapter are warm and friendly and dedicated to their mission – and it is a tribute to the entire Breakthrough T1D organization that these people chose to work for Breakthrough T1D. They deserve all our thanks!

Breakthrough T1D was founded by and continues to be led by dedicated volunteers like Debbie, Phil, Lorraine, Chrissie and Alana. We are incredibly grateful for all that our volunteers have done and continue to do to turn Type One into Type None; their passion is instrumental to the progress of our mission and we’re honored to celebrate them during National Volunteer Week and every day.

THANK YOU DEBBIE, PHIL, LORRAINE, CHRISSIE & ALANA !!