Our family’s journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been both challenging and transformative. It began unexpectedly in 1977 when Brad’s older brother Ryan was diagnosed at just 9 months old. There was no known family history of T1D at that time. Tragically, Ryan passed away in 2019 from an unrelated cause, but his early diagnosis marked the beginning of a ripple effect in our family.

The impact of T1D became increasingly evident as the years went by. In 1987, Brad’s first cousin, Lara, was diagnosed at the age of 11. Lara has faced significant complications, including vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and early kidney disease. Her older brother, John, was diagnosed with T1D at age 26 in 1997. Brad himself was diagnosed in 2003 at the age of 24. The disease’s grip tightened further when John’s older sister’s son, Connor, was diagnosed with T1D at 13.

The most recent and heart-wrenching chapter of our story unfolded just 2.5 years ago when our dear son Ethan was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 11. This diagnosis means that 4 of 5 grandchildren of Brad’s grandmother and 2 of her 3 great-grandchildren are faced with this relentless disease.

Our family’s experience with T1D has fueled our dedication to raising awareness and finding a cure. My (Jamie) decision to join our local Chapter’s Board was driven by two core motivations: to stay well-informed about advancements and research related to T1D, which is deeply personal to me, and to contribute in any way possible to find a cure. Our commitment is to navigate the challenges of living with T1D and actively participate in the fight against it!