My family and I have been active supporters since my son, Tommy, was diagnosed in 2009, five years ago this month. Tommy was diagnosed just before Christmas 2009, when he was 14. We went directly from our pediatrician’s office to Children’s Hospital in Boston, and spent the next 3 snowy days and nights going through those life-altering sessions that forced Tommy to grow up very quickly and pretty much brought my wife, Joan, and me to our knees. Tommy’s been unbelievable over the past 5 years and has not let diabetes get in the way of his aspirations. Everyone in the family [Joan, Christina (25), and son Patrick (22)] has played a part in supporting Tommy, and he’s taught us all some valuable lessons about perseverance and optimism. Though we were nervous when he started college at Harvard this fall, we’re fortunate to have him close by and he’s made a great transition to an even more independent lifestyle.

We believe JDRF is making a real difference in the fight to find new treatments and hopefully a cure for T1D. It seems every time we read an article about promising new research there’s always a reference about support from JDRF. It’s very satisfying to be working with a group that is making tangible investments, generating hope, and delivering results. But of course, there is more to do so we have to keep supporting JDRF and encourage others to support the organization, too.

I would do anything to help improve the day-to-day routine and long-term outlook for Tommy, and, of course, other kids struggling with this ever-demanding condition. I had never been a cyclist, but once I saw the opportunity to make a real contribution by raising money for the Ride to Cure, I was all in (except for the tight outfits — my kids said they wouldn’t support me unless I stayed with a baggy look).

Once I joined the New England Ride to Cure Diabetes team and attended my first Ride I was hooked. My favorite part of the Ride experience is the camaraderie and inspiration. I’ve ridden in Burlington (twice), Death Valley and Nashville, and no matter the location, the collection of riders, families and organizers is truly awe-inspiring. There’s no way to describe the sense of community and positive spirit you feel from the first of the weekend’s events, to the ride itself, and through the day of the departure breakfast. My favorite moments are the post-ride presentations of the Spirit Award (polka dot jersey) and the new Promise Rose award. I always get choked up when I listen to the incredible personal stories these winners share.

This year’s awards program was extra special for me. I was rewarded with the jersey for highest fundraiser at a JDRF Ride. I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was grateful to all my supporters who made contributions large and small to support Tommy. I think a big part of my success was the “day in the life” video Tommy, his brother Patrick and I made this year. That really seemed to open everyone’s eyes to the reality of what Tommy deals with every single day and clearly generated greater participation from our friends and family. On the other hand, I was a bit embarrassed to be singled out and firmly believe that everyone on the ride owned a piece of that green jersey: we were all doing our part to raise money to finder better treatments and a cure.

I think we’re most excited about the Bionic Pancreas work being done by Dr. Russell at MGH as well as the stem cell research led by Dr. Melton. Short of a cure, the Bionic Pancreas seems like it would be a huge leap forward in terms of the minute-by-minute and day-to-day management of T1D. Like everyone touched by this disease, we’re hopeful for a cure but we also recognize there are great treatment advances that could make a real impact in the near term. Meanwhile, we’ll happily and regularly continue to support JDRF in any way we can until a cure is realized.