Joseph Piper became invested in Breakthrough T1D\u2019s mission after watching his late brother Perry struggle with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and multiple sclerosis. \u201cThe combination was brutal.\u00a0 He did not have access to modern therapies nor good endocrinology care in his hometown, and he received most of his care in the ER. Breakthrough T1D provides necessary services, awareness, education and research funding to help those families experiencing T1D,\u201d says Joseph.<\/p>\n
Since then, Joseph has been inspired by those who are seeking a cure and have committed their lives to keeping their kids safe and well cared for.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter 30 years of Life Science Venture Capital, I have an appreciation for how hard it is to get “cures to market”. The average drug takes 15-20 years from discovery in the lab to commercialization and $750mm to achieve FDA approval. Many drugs or devices that get approved serve a limited population and may be an incremental improvement, yet Breakthrough T1D has been investing in the world\u2019s smartest scientists through research grants.\u00a0 This is no longer false hope,\u201d says Joseph.<\/p>\n
Recently Joseph stepped into a new volunteer role as the Pacific Northwest Chapter & Seattle Guild\u2019s Legacy Leader (VLL). As the chapter\u2019s VLL, Joseph joins other volunteers in an initiative to raise awareness about the impact legacy gifts (gifts in wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations etc.) have in ensuring Breakthrough T1D achieves its vision of a world without T1D.<\/p>\n
Since 1995 Breakthrough T1D has received more than $146 million from legacy gifts and currently 3,800+ supporters have shared that they have included commitments to Breakthrough T1D with an estimated value of more than $250 million.<\/p>\n
Joseph is part of this visionary group of supporters who have included Breakthrough T1D in their long-term plans. \u201cIncluding Breakthrough T1D in our wills was easy, and the impact is great. I hope others will take the time to support Breakthrough T1D in this meaningful and important way,\u201d says Joseph.<\/p>\n