Wall of Honor Success Stories

Christine Croteau has never let type 1 diabetes control her.  She always finds new ways to challenge herself through mind, body and soul.  She credits her support system, including her UMass Memorial diabetes care team, for her continued success.  Since being diagnosed at age 31, Christine has completed a marathon and backpacking trek through the back country of Newfoundland, and she communicates through art.  VIDEO AND PHOTOS

Emilie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was only 13 months old, so she’s never known life without it. Nearly 30 years later she became a pediatric nurse and diabetes educator at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence in addition to being a patient in the adult diabetes clinic. 

At 15 years old, Nelson was hospitalized for three days with elevated blood sugars and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  He was prescribed a combination of daily insulin injections and the oral medication Metformin.  Three months later, after receiving diabetes education and making lifestyle changes, his blood sugar levels stabilized, and Nelson no longer requires insulin shots.  His Metformin dosage was also lowered, and he feels much better.   

Joey was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at five years old in August of 2020 during the pandemic. At first, he was inconsolable, but he has made incredible progress after nearly 10 months. He recognizes high and low blood sugars and knows how to treat them. In these videos, Joey's mother describes their road from diagnosis until today, including working closely with his care team and the school nurse.  

Better known as "Peterman" to Central Massachusetts baseball fans, Dave was the General Manager of the Worcester Bravehearts and, before that, the on-field emcee for both the Bravehearts and the Worcester Tornadoes.  He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2008 at the age of 29 and has been using an insulin pump that effectively lowered his A1C while keeping up with the daily grind of his job!  FULL STORY & VIDEO

Gretchen was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 8 years old while living in Puerto Rico. The following year, her family had moved to Massachusetts, and she had her first appointment at the UMass Memorial Pediatric Diabetes Center. As she exited her honeymoon phase, her A1c rose above 14%. During a visit to our clinic, she was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and spent a week in the hospital. While hospitalized, Gretchen and her mother received the diabetes education they had never learned when she was diagnosed. 

Julie Kozlowski was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3. The following year she experienced a low sugar seizure which resulted in temporary paralysis. After that experience Julie began struggling to manage her diabetes. Today, she's very grateful to “her team” consisting of Dr. Harlan, Dr. Thompson, and her diabetes educator.  PHOTO ESSAY

Tyler doesn't remember life without type 1 diabetes. The 19-year-old high school graduate was diagnosed just after turning five years old. He credits his parents with providing a support system to help him navigate day to day life with T1D. His message to other young people is a positive one. 

Cameron was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 22 months old.  Like many 7-year-olds, he enjoys playing sports. He and his family do a fantastic job of keeping his blood sugar levels in a healthy range.  Cameron's story includes attending diabetes camp, throwing out the first pitch at JDRF night at the Paw Sox, and completing a school project, which rewarded him with a fun experience.   

Sophie admits that living with diabetes can be challenging.  She experienced “diabetes burnout” around the age of 13.  Today the recent high school graduate is the volunteer co-chair of the American Diabetes Association’s Youth Leadership Program and she interacts with and mentors other young people from throughout New England living with type 1 diabetes.   

Brian was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 7 years old.  His mother credits the pediatric diabetes care team at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence with changing his life by providing Brian with resources, motivation and confidence.  His lifestyle change resulted in lowering his A1c from 13.5% to 5.9%.  FULL STORY  

Braden was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10.  Two years later, he was on an inulin pump and CGM with an A1c of 7.1%. Braden plays baseball, football, basketball and golf. Each sport affects his blood sugar differently, and he’s learned how to manage the various situations. On his diaversary, he packs and donates gift bags for children who are hospitalized with a new T1D diagnosis.  FULL STORY

Nicole Johnson won the Miss America title in 1999.  She became the first Miss America with diabetes and the first contestant to publicize the use of an insulin pump.  Today, Nicole is a nationally recognized diabetes advocate and one of the biggest supporters of the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence.  READ MORE

Gian-Carlo was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during the summer of 2015 after completing 6th grade. After plenty of experimentation, Gian-Carlo and his mother have worked closely with the UMass diabetes care team to manage his blood sugars. 

TJ was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 2017 at the age of 4.  Since diagnosis, he has become more social due to all of the interactions with his care team and caregivers.  They get to see his silly, funny, and larger than life personality. When asked about his diabetes, TJ explains, “I take shots because my pancreas broke.  I’m still regular.” 

Hailey was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of six.  She is now an active high school student living everyday with her "new normal."  Hailey describes in her own words, the events leading up to her diagnosis, as well as the three days she spent at the UMass Pediatric Diabetes Care Center, receiving "a slew of tests and the news that would forever change my life."  She shared with us an essay she wrote about her diagnosis.  READ MORE

Sophia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 12 ½ years old.  She became the first girl in her high school’s history to play and score points for the otherwise all-boys varsity football team!  She hopes to become a pediatric endocrinologist or a diabetes educator, so that she can help children navigate the challenges of growing up with diabetes. 

U.S. Olympian and four-time National Figure Skating Champion, Kitty Carruthers, never allowed diabetes to get in her way. 

David is unique among the DCOE patients. He has a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and is a research scientist at the UMass Chan Medical School.  He was diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 3.  Today he's a healthy adult who focuses his scientific career on finding the cure for diabetes.  READ MORE