Joseph Nozzolillo Memorial Foundation Surpassed $152,000 in Fundraising for UMass Diabetes Research
Date Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2025
The Joseph “Nuzzy” Nozzolillo Memorial Foundation raised an additional $ 18,000 in 2025, contributing to its ongoing support of type 1 diabetes research at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE). Their eight-year fundraising total has surpassed $152,000. The 8th annual Nuzzy Memorial Golf Tournament was organized by Joe's family and friends, who are grateful for the care he received and optimistic about the diabetes research being conducted at the UMass Chan Medical School.
Joe Nozzolillo was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just after his 10th birthday. He had a wonderful relationship with his diabetes care team at the UMass Memorial DCOE, although he struggled to keep his blood sugar levels within target range. Joe developed severe diabetic neuropathy and other health complications as a result of his diabetes. He passed away at the tragically young age of 31.
Joe's family and friends have toured the UMass Chan DCOE research labs in Worcester multiple times. They've learned about the T1D research being conducted in conjunction with clinical studies on campus at UMass Memorial’s Ambulatory Care Center, where Joe was a patient.
“We had no idea all of this cutting-edge diabetes research was happening right here in Worcester,” said Joe’s sister Leah during her first laboratory tour. “We knew my brother’s care team was excellent, but the more we learn about the research, the more hopeful we are that we’ll one day see a cure for type 1 diabetes!”
“We want the money we raise to stay local and help other people being treated for diabetes at UMass,” said Joe’s brother Jonathan. “We appreciate all they did for him.”
Michael Brehm, PhD, who lives with T1D himself, has shown them around the labs and explained how our scientists have recently uncovered new insights into T1D development.
David Harlan, MD, told them about the Breakthrough T1D consortium of scientists he leads throughout New England. "We greatly appreciate the Nuzzy Memorial Foundation and their volunteers for their ongoing support," said Dr. Harlan.
“The average person doesn’t get to see for themselves how much incredible research is happening in our own backyard, working to end diabetes,” added Jonathan.
"Joe’s family and friends know all too well the serious health complications that uncontrolled blood sugars cause," said Dr. Brehm. "We thank them for coming together in Joe’s name to support our DCOE mission and bringing us closer to our ultimate goal of a world without diabetes."
