William Beebe has been active with Breakthrough T1D on many levels.  He has been team of a Walk Team, been a fierce advocate to Congress and has served in Children’s Congress.  The definition of a crusader is a person who campaigns vigorously for political, social, or religious change.  William received the chapter’s Cure Crusader award in 2014, because he has embraced his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and campaigns tirelessly to make a change in world of T1D.  His story begins like this….

William was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 5.  Like most kids diagnosed at a young age, he began to rebel against his disease.  He didn’t want it anymore.  That’s when his family reached out and found Breakthrough T1D.  They began meeting other families that were going through the same struggles.  They formed the successful walk team – Pirates for a Cure –  he received overwhelming support from his family and friends.  He also began his public speaking career as our youth speaker at a Walk Corporate Breakfast.

He represented the Northwest Ohio Chapter at the 2011 Children’s Congress where he joined hundreds of other kids on Capitol Hill to secure continued government funding as well as raise awareness about the burdens of living with T1D.  His work in government continues with his close relationship working with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and attending Promise Me Campaigns with other local politicians.  We can all thank William in securing Congresswoman Kaptur for joining us on Walk Day and opening this year’s walk.

William is an amazing student and athlete.  He is in his senior year at St. John’s Jesuit High School where he serves as Class President and is on the crew team.  You would never know that the discouragement that he felt about his diagnosis would be the fuel that has made him into an extraordinary young man and positive advocate for Breakthrough T1D.

We wish him all the best in his future and know that this is only the beginning.