Meet one of this year’s Dream Gala Men on a Mission, Michael Plumer, as we honor his continued support and dedication to Breakthrough T1D. 

Michael Plumer is a vice president at Lockton Dunning in Dallas.  Five years ago, his son Reid was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 3 years old.  Overwhelmed and forever changed, the Plumer family began to look for ways to make a difference in the fight against diabetes – for Reid and for the many other people who live with T1D every day.  Their journey led them straight to Breakthrough T1D where they jumped in head first, rallying at Breakthrough T1D Walks, supporting the Dream Gala and looking for ways to help facilitate research.  Now, as Reid grows, he takes more and more responsibility for his own diabetes care – all while making fantastic grades and dominating on the baseball field and basketball court. And with the help of his diabetic alert dog, Marley, Reid focuses on being the best Reid he can be – and not on his diabetes.  Michael, Reid and Marley live in Frisco with mom Dena and big brother Grant.

For the Plumer family, spring break of 2010 was not spent on the ski slopes or a sandy beach. It was spent in blustery Oklahoma City where they met the newest member of their family – diabetic alert dog Marley – for the very first time. Five-year-old Reid had had type 1 diabetes for two years at that time and mom and dad needed some help monitoring the ups and downs of the disease.

That entire week was dedicated to getting to know Marley, learning how to work with him and becoming “public access certified.” And Marley showed that he really had what it takes by alerting in restaurants, a mall, the hotel and in the car. For seven months prior to their meeting, the Plumers sent clothing to Marley’s trainers that Reid had been wearing – socks, pajamas, T-shirts – when he had a low blood sugar. Marley learned to seek out that smell . . . and be rewarded for it. As soon as he met Reid he went to work. The family learned how to tell when Marley was alerting and when to give him treats.

Today, Marley is a valued member of the Plumer family.  He sleeps in Reid’s room and comes downstairs at night to let someone know to check on his boy Reid.  For the Plumers, 2010 was the best spring break they’ve ever had!

Reserve your spot today ONLINE!

Tables and tickets are now available to purchase online! Individual tickets are $325 or purchase a table for ten guests at $3,000. Share this year’s Dream Gala Invitation and RSVP Response Card with your friends and family!

For questions about the Dream Gala, visit the Dream Gala Website.