Shari and Robert Cashman

In January of 2001, the Cashman family’s life was forever changed when Alyssa, their spunky, warm, compassionate daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as she was looking forward to her 11th birthday.   In an instant, the family’s daily routine consisted of constant finger pricks, injections at all hours of the day and night, counting every carbohydrate consumed and dealing with the physical and emotional roller coasters of high and low blood sugars.  At first it was daunting but Alyssa quickly showed the family that taking control of the situation and owning their future with this disease was their only option.

It was then that they decided changing the future for the millions who live with T1D would be their calling.  It was this that brought them to JDRF. They quickly formed Alyssa’s All-Stars, a Boston Walk Team, and set to work raising the funds necessary to advance treatment options and find a cure. For the past fourteen years the Cashmans have become increasingly engaged.  Both Shari and Robert have served on the Board of Directors, and chaired and worked on the event committees for the Walk and Gala—JDRF’s top signature events. They have also shared their voices as advocates to assure the U.S. Government is focusing dollars to research.

At every turn of their 14-year journey with JDRF they say they have become more convinced that JDRF has the plan to find a cure for Alyssa and the millions of people around the world living with T1D. They have seen real changes in her treatment options.   In the past year alone they have seen progress that assures them she will live a long and healthy life with progressively less burden from this horrific disease.  It has been a true labor of love from which the entire Cashman family firmly believes they have taken more than they have given.

To recognize their outstanding support and commitment to our mission, JDRF will honor Shari and Robert at the 33rd Annual Boston Gala on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. To learn how you can join us to make One Night a special celebration of how far we have come toward the One Day when we celebrate a cure, please visit our website.