Our story with Type 1 Diabetes began back in September of 1981, when Jon was diagnosed at just 11 years old. Nearly a decade later, in 1990, we met, married, and started the adventure of life together. Jon’s path led him into medicine, completing medical school and a pediatrics residency at Texas Tech before a fellowship in Endocrinology at Duke University. We eventually returned to Texas, where Jon joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in Dallas. While there, Jon served as Medical Director of Camp Sweeney, the nation’s largest diabetes camp, for seven wonderful summers. Leslie was right there beside him—helping at camp and creating the Camp Sweeney Ambassadors program, which connected campers with families of children newly diagnosed with T1D. Together, it became a powerful way to share hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom during what can feel like an overwhelming time for families.
Our connection to the Type 1 community deepened further through JDRF. We were regulars at the Walk, with Leslie’s band even providing the entertainment one year, and we attended numerous Galas as part of the UT Southwestern pediatric endocrine team, which was honored with the 50/50s award for healthcare workers in the T1D field.
When we moved to Little Rock, we jumped right in—attending the JDRF Gala on just our fourth night in town! Leslie was soon invited to join the JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D) board, where she has cherished many opportunities to serve. Two of her favorites include helping host the Arkansas premiere of the documentary Bike Beyond at the Argenta Theatre and serving as emcee for the 2020 virtual Gala.
Jon has been honored with multiple awards for his service to people living with Type 1 Diabetes, including being named a “Top Doc” in both Dallas and Little Rock many times. But the real reward has always been the chance to walk alongside children, families, and colleagues in this community.
Outside of medicine and advocacy, we’re grateful for our full and joyful life as parents to three wonderful daughters—Paige, Claire, and Emily—and now a son-in-law, Kyumin. At home, we enjoy spoiling our three dogs, hunting for antiques, refurbishing vintage audio equipment (Jon’s passion), and sharing music and art (Leslie sings in a band and loves painting).
Living with diabetes can be tough in ways most people never notice. Each pump site means another pinch, and sometimes the bleeding that follows leaves a blood stain on clothing that can be shocking when noticed by others. There have been moments when Leslie had to step in with glucagon during a dangerous low, and the pump and CGM alarms always seem to choose the busiest or most public moments to go off. It’s a constant reminder that diabetes is always there, never fully in the background.
Looking back, what started as one person’s diagnosis has become our shared life’s work and joy—walking alongside the Type 1 Diabetes community, building friendships, and sharing hope wherever we can.
Donate Now: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/southernstates/events/oden/
