This month’s Supporter Spotlight is on Lindsay Weidling, the newest staff member of the Indiana State Chapter.  Read about her passion for working for Breakthrough T1D below.  We are thrilled to have her as part of our team!

What is your role with Breakthrough T1D?

My role with Breakthrough T1D is the Development Coordinator in Evansville, Indiana. In this position I am hoping to be a physical presence in the southern part of the state to help not only our already active families, but to incorporate more families into the Breakthrough T1D.

What attracted you to the cause?

My attraction to the cause is a little self-serving, as I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when I was 2 and 1/2 years old. However, as I grew up and continually heard, “there will be a cure someday.” I began researching groups like the Breakthrough T1D and knew it was a foundation I wanted to be a part of to help others impacted by T1D.

What motivates you to stay involved?

My motivation to stay involved is similar to my motivation to stay healthy and active. When we stop being involved in the fight against diabetes there is no cure. Same goes for when we eat bad foods and quit working out, our A1c goes up and diabetes wins again. I do not want to be in a world where T1D is winning. Not against me. So I like the idea of having a job that is focused on eliminating a disease no one wants or needs!

In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does?

In my opinion, the research is the most important and vital role of this organization. I also like the other aspects of the Breakthrough T1D, but without the Breakthrough T1D being a leader in research, I would probably still be using large gauge needles to give myself insulin shots three times a day.

What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future? In the long term?

In the near future, I hope to see this encapsulation research really take off and work long term. It really fascinates me and I hope the outcomes continue to be successful. In the long term, with the obviousness aside, I hope for there to be a world with no T1D. Maybe before that long term goal though I hope that this research provides people with glucose control and better ways for managing their diabetes. Just getting closer to a cure is a step in the right direction.

What are you most excited about for Breakthrough T1D’s involvement in southern Indiana?

I am most excited about the Breakthrough T1D becoming involved in the southern Indiana area, as I think this is a way to grow the chapter. This is also a way to provide more resources to a greater number of people, while strengthening the Breakthrough T1D’s mission. I think that adding people can only add to the success of the mission!

Do you have any hobbies or special interests?

I love to read and run.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I was born on the Super Bowl (49ers v. Bengals) and the 49ers won…but no I am not a 49ers fan!