When summer arrives for college students, most think about heading to the beach with friends or being lazy by the pool, but not our stellar Summer interns here at Breakthrough T1D. Our three incredible interns (Anna O’Neil, Tobin Bromberg & Will Jennette) went above and beyond in the scope and quality of work that they provided to our chapter. We wish them the most sincere thank you and good luck as they return to their respective universities. We asked them to share their T1D stories and their favorite part about interning at Breakthrough T1D.

Anna O’Neil, University of Georgia

Although I do not have T1D, I have grown up seeing T1D affect my cousin’s life. My Aunt, Bonnie O’Neil, worked for her local chapter and Breakthrough T1D International. Hearing about my cousin’s struggles with T1D led me to look more into what exactly Breakthrough T1D does. I think that it is so important to bring awareness about the issue to everyone including those who have not been affected by T1D. At a University that is so large and diverse, I plan to use this exposure to help bring awareness and fundraise back home.

As the Marketing and Communications Intern, I helped out with the newsletters, website posts, social media, for upcoming Chapter events. Working for the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter was important to me since it was in such a pivotal location for change and the Advocacy office was just a few floors away. I’ve enjoyed working with the staff around me and hearing about how T1D has directly affected them. Their passion and drive for what they’re working towards are inspiring.

Tobin Bromberg, Dickinson College

Neither I nor anybody in my family has T1D. However, my father is a transplant surgeon specializing in pancreas and kidney transplants, so he has received grants from Breakthrough T1D in order to research the root causes of T1D and attempt to find a cure. Furthermore, for several years, my mother has helped to organize the MD Hope Gala.

My most memorable volunteer experience with the chapter was at the Real Estate Games earlier this year. It was inspiring to see thousands of people who, although they were competing against each other, were united towards a common goal. I was incredibly thankful to be able to help out with the event.

Will Jennette, George Mason University

As the second person in my family to be diagnosed with T1D, I was already familiar with the work that Breakthrough T1D does. When I got to college, I started a chapter of the College Diabetes Network on my campus and we worked with Breakthrough T1D multiple times, both volunteering at the Hope Gala and giving a panel presentation to the teen track at the Summit. Now as a Summer intern with Breakthrough T1D, I got to contribute to their amazing mission of a world without T1D.

My most memorable volunteer experience with Breakthrough T1D was definitely the Type One Nation Summit, because I enjoyed getting the chance to represent my school and the College Diabetes Network. I also loved talking to parents who were excited to meet college students thriving with diabetes. It was a greatly rewarding experience. I look forward to making another appearance at the summit this year in cooperation with many more colleges and universities from the nearby area. I also look forward to the opportunity to help Breakthrough T1D in any way that I can through continued volunteering in the future.

Interested in interning for Breakthrough T1D? Click here or contact Kristen Van Meter at kvanmeter@BreakthroughT1D.org or (443) 792-4228.