Outside the Cammett family’s Michigan home sat a new toy truck. John, around six years old, admired its sturdy metal frame, fresh rubber wheels, and bright yellow decals. But it would not stay that way for long.
John and his two brothers were athletic, boisterous, and yes, at times, destructive. After the truck was thoroughly battered, John’s mother, Barbara, began her work on the piece. She was creative and artistic and knew just what to do. With paint brushes in hand, she covered the damaged truck in a collage of color and something new emerged. It was no longer a wreck, it was a work of art.
John Cammett, now 62, says he’ll always remember that day and the special lesson that came from it.
“Even with all that destruction, she could make something look beautiful,” he said.
Like Mother, Like Son
John’s mom was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in her 30s and passed away in 2021 at age 89. She inspired John, who also lives with T1D, to become a champion for others with the condition. John has since become a longtime volunteer, leader, and advocate for Breakthrough T1D—providing transformational support of our mission.
In recognition of his deep commitment, the Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in New England was recently named for his mother. The center will now be known as the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England. John helped establish the center and provided foundational support for Project ACT (Accelerate Cell Therapies), Breakthrough T1D’s initiative to make cell therapies as cures for T1D a reality.
My mom was the strongest person I’ve ever known—a real warrior. Even back then, with limited technology, she never let T1D set her back.”
Honoring Her Positive Spirit
Since its inception, the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England has made significant progress advancing islet cell-based T1D research, enhancing the understanding of the immune response following islet transplantation to prevent rejection, and creating genetically modified islet cells that could withstand the immune attack after transplantation into people living with T1D.
The breakthrough research happening at the center—one of five Breakthrough T1D Centers of Excellence around the world powering advances to deliver cures and life-improving breakthroughs for T1D—is particularly inspiring to John. He takes pride in knowing that the center he helped establish will not only advance this important work but also honor his mother’s positive spirit and enduring legacy.
“You can’t be a researcher without optimism—every breakthrough stands on the back of countless failures. My mom lived the same way. She was the most optimistic person I’ve ever known, never said a bad word about anyone, and kept going no matter how hard things got. Just like the researchers pushing forward every day, she stayed focused, kind, and hopeful through it all.”
A Beacon of Strength
John remembers his mom as a woman whose generous heart, zest for life, and unwavering optimism inspired everyone she met.
She managed T1D for nearly 60 years with grace, determination, and a smile. Known for her vibrant personality, Barbara embraced life fully. You could often find her cheering on her Wisconsin Badgers, painting beautiful art, volunteering in her community, and effortlessly outdriving her husband on the golf course.
Her kindness, resilience, and passion for connecting with others made her a beloved friend, devoted wife, and beacon of strength to those navigating life with T1D.
“I wish I could have done this while she was still with me,” John said. “But I know she’d look back and smile. She wanted to help everyone she could. That spirit lives on.”
By Adam Baker
