My name is Shelby Sharp and I am excited to join the staff of Breakthrough T1D’s Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter as a Development Coordinator. I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and spent the past few years living in New York City before moving to Maryland last month. Breakthrough T1D became my extended family not long after I was diagnosed with T1D 18 years ago on March 6, 1999.  I was six years old.

Over the years, I have participated in or volunteered for just about every event and opportunity Breakthrough T1D offers — Walks to Cure Diabetes (now Breakthrough T1D One Walk), Rides to Cure Diabetes, Gala, Advocacy, and special committees. Riding in Amelia Island this year will be a new and exciting challenge. Most recently, I had a wonderful opportunity to work for a year in New York City at Breakthrough T1D’s National Research Department.  My exposure to the grants Breakthrough T1D funds, scientists who drive Breakthrough T1D’s research programs (Encapsulation, Artificial Pancreas, etc.), and external scientists and companies doing the research was a wonderful experience. I particularly enjoy sharing my knowledge and insight into how Breakthrough T1D funds research and the great work we are doing for the T1D community.

The Breakthrough T1D Walk is a celebrated day in my family and one we look forward to every year. This year is a very special walk indeed for our family since my Mom was diagnosed with T1D just last year. Since 2001, “Sharp Family – Hope for a Cure Team” has raised thousands of dollars for T1D research and crossed the finish line 17 times!  Nothing can match the feelings of inspiration and hope that one feels on Walk Day.  I am thrilled to be on the Breakthrough T1D GCP team and embark on a wonderful new chapter in my life.