A Volunteer Perspective by Galinie Zisimopoulou
My name is Galinie Zisimopoulou and I currently live in Greenwich. I am of Greek origin, but lived in the UK for a long time, came to the US in 2016 and then moved to Greenwich in 2017.

I have been a diabetic for almost 25 years now, having been diagnosed at the age of 14. At the time of my diagnosis, and during the first few months of treatment, I had to use a syringe twice a day to inject insulin. I am very excited to see all the progress that has been made to diabetes management and technology throughout the years, and I am really hopeful for a cure!!
I first got involved with Breakthrough T1D when I participated as a volunteer at the 2018 Hudson Valley Gala. It was such an emotional experience for me, despite having been type 1 for many, many years. I never had the chance to really connect face to face with other people who are managing type 1 themselves, or their kids or relatives! It was a great experience, and it really felt like home! I’d always wanted to be involved with Breakthrough T1D, even when I was in the UK, but I never got to do it. I was very happy to find out about our local chapter and wanted to immediately get involved!
While I am very passionate about helping the newly diagnosed, I am also very excited about helping out at the chapter galas and fundraising for Breakthrough T1D! I was determined to be involved at this year’s Gala and felt honored to be given the opportunity to do so this year as a Gala committee member. I am really excited about the fund-a-cure campaign this year and can’t wait to see the amazing video that we’ve worked hard to create.
When I’m not volunteering my time to Breakthrough T1D, I’m busy with my 3 1/2 year old son I adore playing with, and a busy household, but I also spend my time meeting with friends or going out for walks.
When people ask me what I’ll do when a cure is found, I can’t even begin to think about what I would do! I think I would cry from happiness for days, and then I would throw away all the life saving devices I have been using over the years. Then I would go on holiday without thinking about all the supplies and insulin I needed before, eat pizza without thinking about it, and finally have a good night’s sleep!
Type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 job, and it is something that is constantly on my mind. Thinking that someday I may not think about it as constantly as I do now is a very weird concept for me. I want to see a future where I won’t have to worry about planning every meal or trip around type one, and seeing how much support and generosity is given by our donors gives me hope that one day I will.
By Galinie Zisimopoulou