Susan Linney brings a smile to our office on a weekly basis. She happily takes on whatever tasks are needed – from data input to mailings and event preparation to brainstorming about volunteer recruitment. She has even helped to assemble office furniture! Susan says, “What motivates and feeds me in volunteering weekly for Breakthrough T1D is the belief that it helps get one step closer to finding a cure. My desire is to make a difference, in my son’s life as a diabetic, but also for all T1Diabetics and their support networks.  The most effective way I see to achieve this is through Breakthrough T1D’s mission and goals. The staff at Breakthrough T1D is so dedicated and appreciative that it makes it easy to want to do all I can.”

Susan is a vocal music teacher and has taught K-12 students for 25 years. Currently, she teaches music to 300 kindergartners each week, and considers her job a joy and a privilege. She became an avid supporter of Breakthrough T1D in the fall of 2004, immediately upon her son Spenser’s diagnosis with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 11. She says, “Breakthrough T1D provided me with information that was concise, easily comprehended, hopeful, and supportive.”

Now serving as VP of Administration, Susan knows that every bit of work she does helps to make the goal of finding a cure that much more attainable. She says, “I would encourage others to get involved and realize how rewarding it is to make a difference. I have never lost hope for a cure and am passionate about the success Breakthrough T1D promises through its mission and actions.”

Susan lives in Alameda, California with her husband Douglas. Their daughter Olivia is attending medical school in Portland at OHSU. Spenser is now a college student, attending Stanford University and pitching for their baseball team.