Meet Luke Brecker!

Tell us about yourself:
I am a senior at the University of Maryland majoring in Community Health and I am a full time intern in the DC office this spring. I played Club Lacrosse at the University of Maryland and I think that sports are a great way to manage your T1D. Exercise helps to lower your blood sugar, and it also acts as a great motivator to take care of yourself because you want to perform well in both practices and games and you know you can only be at your best when your blood sugars are within range.

Describe your history with type 1 diabetes & your relationship with Breakthrough T1D.
I was diagnosed with T1D at the age of nine while I was living in Connecticut. My family and I got involved with the walk there and I have fond memories doing the walk with all my friends from school and their families. Since I have moved to Maryland, I have volunteered at the walks in Baltimore and attended the Summit. I’m very excited to be an intern where I can be even more involved with Breakthrough T1D!

Volunteering at events like the Breakthrough T1D One Walks and the Breakthrough T1D TypeOneNation Research Summit are especially rewarding to me because I am able to meet others with T1D, and also learn more about new research and the great advancements being made.

What would you say to someone who does not have a direct type-1 connection in order to encourage them to volunteer with the chapter? What would you say to someone that does have a connection to get them involved in the chapter?
I would share my story with them because most people don’t realize all the work that goes into managing diabetes and they would probably be more willing to help if they did!

What has been your most memorable volunteer experience with the chapter?  Why?
This year, I volunteered at the TypeOneNation Research Summit and it was a very rewarding experience. I was able to play with the younger kids, and I was also part of the check-in process. It was amazing to see the staff work together and see just how much work goes into planning an event like the Summit and make sure it runs smoothly.