For Randi, volunteering with Breakthrough T1D is something that grew naturally out of her life.
Her journey began more than four decades ago, when her daughter Georgie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 11. Today, Georgie is 47, and that diagnosis set Randi on a lifelong path of advocacy, community, and service.
Jerry & Randi
Randi and Georgie first became involved with Breakthrough T1D in 1991, participating in Walk events together. Those early years were filled with learning, adapting, and connecting with others who understood life with T1D. After Georgie went off to college, there was a brief pause—but the bond with the organization never faded.
When Georgie returned to New York City after college, she helped start a young adult support group, creating space for connection and support for others navigating T1D in a new phase of life. Volunteering had become part of the family’s rhythm.
In 2014, Randi met Jerry after he moved to New York City from California. Once they became a couple, Jerry naturally joined Randi in volunteering—quickly becoming just as involved and passionate.
Randi, Georgie, & Jerry
Their first event together was the Amelia Island Ride, a particularly meaningful experience since Georgie was one of the riders. From there, Randi and Jerry continued to show up wherever and whenever help was needed.
Living in Brooklyn, they connected with fellow volunteer Joe Mure and became involved with his signature Little North Pole event. From putting up lights to decorating and helping bring the festive vision to life, they embraced the joy and spirit of the event. Over the years, they’ve volunteered at numerous Promise Galas, Rock the Cure events, and Ride initiatives, always happy to lend a hand.
Jerry & Randi in front of the Little North Pole
One of Randi’s most unforgettable memories is meeting Mary Tyler Moore at one of the earlier galas during the year she was honored—an experience that left a lasting impression.
But it’s often the quieter moments that mean the most.
“The smiles you see on event day are what bring us back year after year,” Randi shares. “Knowing you’re making a difference—that really matters.”
Now retired, Randi and Jerry especially value being able to dedicate more time to volunteering. They’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible progress made in T1D care over the years. Randi recalls when Georgie once had to use urine test strips—technology that feels worlds away from the tools available today.
“To see how far things have come, and how much more normal life can be now, is amazing,” she says.
For Randi and Jerry, volunteering with Breakthrough T1D is about more than helping at events—it’s about being part of something deeply meaningful. “There’s such a great feeling knowing you’re contributing to something so important,” they explain. “At the events, you really feel the love and warmth from everyone there. You know you’re helping things run smoothly and supporting a mission that truly matters.”
In 2019, that dedication was recognized in a very special way. Randi and Jerry were honored as a couple at the Santa Rosa Ride for their volunteer efforts.
“It was incredibly emotional,” they recall. “One of the biggest surprises of our lives—and one of the most positive experiences we’ve ever had.”
Randi and Jerry’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering isn’t just about time—it’s about heart, consistency, and community. Their decades‑long involvement reflects not only how far T1D research and technology have come, but also the impact of people who continue to show up, year after year, to support progress and hope.