Mr. John H. Sampson, MD, PhD, MHSc, MBA Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs & Dean, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver
Mr. Joseph Smolen
Mrs. Cindy Wells
Mrs. Lisa Corley
Mrs. Sandip Garg
Mr. David Asarch
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD:
Richard S. Abrams, M.D. Director, Colorado Preventive Medicine, Rose Medical Center; Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver
Mark Atkinson, Ph.D. Professor of Pathology & Pediatrics, Director, University of Florida Diabetes Institute
Ezio Bonifacio, Ph.D. Professor for Preclinical Approaches to Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden, Germany
Robert Eckel, M.D. Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Matthias Hebrok, Ph.D. Professor in Residence and Director, Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco
Steven Kahn, M.B., Ch.B. Professor of Medicine, Director of the Diabetes Research Center, University of Washington
Rudolph Leibel, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Co-Director, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University
Alvin Powers, M.D. Professor of Medicine, Molecular Physiology/Biophysics, Division Director, Vanderbilt University
William Tamborlane, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine
Children’s Diabetes Foundation NewsNotes is published quarterly by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. If you would like to submit an artwork, article or letter to NewsNotes, please send your submission to cdfcares@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.
THE BRASS RING
LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW RAISED $368,000 FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES
On March 21, 2024, The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) held their annual luncheon and fashion show benefiting patient programs at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). The event welcomed 481 attendees at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, and raised $368,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and the live appeal. This year’s featured fashion brand Lafayette 148 New York (L148) joined us to produce a wonderful fashion show.
CBS News Colorado’s Michael Spencer hosted the event. Michael was a host to remember with his charm, wit, and passion for the cause. Our Co-Chairs Carol Hamer and Amie Moroz delivered a wonderful heartfelt speech, acknowledging that “Type 1 disregards your background, your age, your lifestyle, your diet and often your family history. It does not discriminate when selecting who it will choose. This is why we continue to support these dedicated organizations, patients and doctors who give so much to finding these answers.”
The prayer given for lunch was written and delivered by CDF Advocate Ryder Terry, who was diagnosed at three years of age. He graciously wrote, “Thank you for the grace and determination you have given the caregivers, and the wisdom and dedication of the doctors and nurses.” Great job Ryder, you were so brave and gave the perfect prayer!
Our “Slover’s Heroes” walk in honor of Dr. Robert Slover, one of our own heroes. These featured type 1 children and adolescents embody Dr. Slover’s life’s work, care, and dedication to advocating for those living with type 1 diabetes. The kids’ walk featured two type 1 heroes at a time walking side by side with a few fun facts shared for each, followed by a finale walk of all 24 Slover’s Heroes. It truly was the highlight of the show and the reason we gather in celebration of their triumphs.
Attendees enjoyed lunch while the 2023 International Auctioneer Champion, Halie Behr, kicked off the live auction with four unique packages that raised $59,500 on their own. Packages included a seven-night stay in the gorgeous Frei Family Home in Watercolor, Florida; a custom menu tasting experience for eight at Guard and Grace; a John Atencio pendant adorned with amethyst, rhodolite garnet, and diamonds; and a one-of-a-kind tour of Lafayette 148’s clothing factory, including a meet-and-greet with L148’s Creative Director, Emily Smith.
Following the live auction was a video telling the amazing story of Francis Ntumy, a type 1 Charlotte Tucker Scholarship recipient who has been supported by The Guild programs his entire life. Francis was a first-generation college student – his is a wonderful testimony that with a little help type 1’s can achieve their dreams.
BRASS RING LUNCHEON
LUNCHEON
BRASS RING
During the special appeal, attendees raised their paddles to make donations ranging from $500 to $25,000. Each donation level, Behr explained specific opportunities that could be funded, such as the cost of a new diagnosis, providing scholarships to type 1 students, providing support to pregnant type 1 moms in need, holiday assistance for families, depression screenings, and advocate events and programs.
Featured fashion brand Lafayette 148 New York closed out the event with their runway show with over 30 different looks from their 2024 spring collection. The collection included suits, sets, separates, dresses, outerwear, and accessories for women.
In total, the event welcomed over 480 attendees and raised over $368,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and the special appeal. All of this benefited The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to help fund research, diabetes awareness and education, assistance for families in need, scholarships for T1D students, year-round T1D day camps, and activities for children and their families.
CDF would like to extend special thanks to our sponsors who make this incredible day possible. The 46th Annual Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show was presented by Eva Schoonmaker. Premier sponsor of the event was The MacMillan Family with additional support by the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses, and Jay's Valet. Thank you to Gina Comminello from THE LOOK Salon & Med Spa and Charlie Price for your continuous support of the event. Brass Ring Luncheon’s Official Media Sponsor was Colorado Expression and Broadcast Partner was CBS News Colorado.
BRASS RING LUNCHEON
BARBARA DAVIS CENTER
AWARD OF THE PETER CHASE ENDOWED CHAIR TO DR. GREGORY P. FORLENZA
The Chase Endowed Chair was initiated in 1999. Dr. George Eisenbarth assumed the position of Executive Director of the Center in 1992 and initiated the idea of an endowed chair to honor Dr. Chase. Donations from families soon came in response to notice in the NewsNotes publication from the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF). Continued funding since that time has come from a percentage of the Foundation’s profits from the Pink Panther educational books that Dr. Chase has authored or co-authored for over 50 years.
For a bit of history, Dr. Chase was asked to start a University of Colorado Children’s Diabetes Clinic in 1976. At that time, he identified 40 children with diabetes to start the clinic. The clinic merged with the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC) when it opened in 1980. Growth since then has been "astronomical" -- from 450 type 1 children in 1980 to now over 10,000 type 1 patients between the pediatric and adult clinics. Dr. O’Brien moved over and became the Executive Director of the Center in 1983. In 2014 the Center was rated by an international rating organization as the number one center for type 1 diabetes in the world. The number of full-time physicians has increased from one (Dr. Chase from 1980 to 1983) to 18 currently (pediatric and adult clinics combined). A history of the Center (and how patient care changed between 1980 and 2011) was written in 2011 and is available as a book from the Foundation. Sue Palandri, co-author and the first employee of the Foundation, provided many spectacular pictures for the book.
June 27, 2024
Other aspects of the history are as follows:
The Research Division of the Center has been very important and was initiated in 1984. It occupies the third and fourth floor of the Center and is directed by Dr. Lori Sussel.
The Adult Clinic was implemented by Dr. Satish Garg in 1991. It is now recognized as one of the outstanding centers for adult type 1 diabetes care and research in the world.
The Eye Clinic began full-time at the Center in 1996 by Dr. William Jackson. He came to the Center after having been in charge of eye care at the Denver Presbyterian Hospital for many years.
The Endowed Chair is important for many reasons other than just to honor the endowee. In tight financial times, it might provide salary support needed for the center to continue. This is particularly true at our Center where one-third of the patients have little or no insurance. It may allow the recipient independence in research, clinical care and teaching responsibilities. The offering of an endowed chair may attract an important new person to the center, or a current person to continue. Dr. Greg Forlenza is the new recipient of the endowed chair and will continue his work at the Center related to automated insulin delivery (AID; the artificial pancreas). The Chair will now support Dr. Forlenza, who is internationally known for his work advancing the development of diabetes technology, to improve the lives of children with diabetes.
With fond memories,
H.Peter Chase, MD, Professor Emeritus Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes
BARBARA DAVIS CENTER
BARBARA DAVIS CENTER: MEET THE DOCTOR
This edition of Meet the Doctor features Dr. Andrea Gerard Gonzales, MD, Pediatric Endocrinology.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO DIABETES CARE?
I went to medical school in Mexico City. When you graduate in Mexico there are not enough spots for every doctor to do a residency since the government pays for them. For a resident to become a doctor, the government requires every new graduate to do social service for one year to an underserved community of the country. I decided to go to Chapas because it was very far from my hometown. Chapas is very beautiful mountainous land with indigenous communities.
DO YOU HAVE PERSONAL A TYPE 1 CONNECTION?
Thankfully, I do not have any family members with a personal connection, so my patients are my type 1 connection.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE BDC?
I have been at the Barabara Davis Center for Diabetes going on 11 years. Back then there was a huge gap in care for the Spanish-speaking communities in Denver. Rob Slover was looking for a doctor to serve the community, so I went to interview. Everyone was kind and welcoming. It was a dream come true to help the Latino and Spanish-speaking community with such a huge gap in care at one of the top diabetes centers in the USA.
WHAT MAKES YOUR DEPARTMENT AND TEAM AT THE BDC SO UNIQUE?
Through the BDC program we bring the whole community together around the type 1 children, not just the parents. We invite the neighbors, siblings, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. It is a community building peer-to-peer interaction and learning experience.
TELL ME ABOUT A PATIENT EXPERIENCE THAT HAS REALLY IMPACTED YOU AS A PROVIDER?
While I was serving the community in Chapas there was a very shocking story that happened and lead me down the path of being a pediatrician. There was a boy in there who had diabetes, and they didn't know. The indigenous communities have their own culture and religion, and thought he was cursed, and nobody understood what was going on. His blood sugar was severely high, and he was very sick, so they were literally just waiting for him to die. A compassionate neighbor thought maybe there was something I could do, so she brought me to the house. I could smell the ketones but didn’t have any insulin with me and needed to take him to the hospital. The family was scared and felt it was dangerous. They had already resigned to the fact they were going to lose this child. After talking them through it, they finally agreed to let me take him in my car to the hospital two hours away. Once we got there, they gave him insulin, he responded well, and survived. I was able to keep the insulin cold without refrigeration by digging holes in the river and we were able to keep the child alive.
“IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE TO HELP THE LATINO AND SPANISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY WITH SUCH A HUGE GAP IN CARE AT ONE OF THE TOP DIABETES CENTERS IN THE USA. ”
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT THE BDC? HOBBIES?
I have 11-year-old twins, a boy and girl. Sophia and Alex, they're the love of my life and they're very smart and active. So, after I'm done with clinic, I'm literally like an Uber driver running them around town.
TELL ME ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I like to exercise very early in the morning because if I don’t do it then, it won’t get done. We also love skiing. I learned as an adult but was a water-skier my whole life in Mexico.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
I’m a colorful person and like so many. I like blue, black, and red.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD OR DISH TO MAKE?
That depends on who I am cooking for! I make four meals a day, every day for the family.
WHAT MOTIVATIONAL OR INSPIRATIONAL ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR TYPE 1S?
The research is moving at a very advanced pace, like with the new technologies and the new discoveries that we're making. For instance, there's Tzield and that's come out of basic T cell biology research. And insulin cells made from human stem cells. Most people only think of advancements in technology, but there have been so many advancements in science. We know so much more about the biology than we did 20 years ago, and we know more about the disease. I think that's going to help us, not only for better care, but for a cure as well.
WHAT ARE YOUR PETS' NAMES?
Sue is our little dog, and we have another dog from my mom that we named Denver. Alex has two crested geckos, Cooper and Jumpy, and they're laying eggs now, so hopefully we'll have some babies. Sophia has a bearded lizard, which she named it Tiny because he was not tiny at all. We have a Russian tortoise that we adopted.
WHAT MOTIVATIONAL OR INSPIRATIONAL ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR TYPE 1S?
I would say you can do it! You are no different than anybody else. You deserve the same kind of achievements, and you are so bright, smart, and strong and you know so much more about yourself and your body than anyone in this world that doesn't have diabetes. I know that there's going to be times and days that you feel that this is the end of the world, and you cannot keep going. Then you're going to realize when you are looking back, you're awesome. You're healthy and stronger than any of your peers.
We're always very proud of everything that you do, and you are teaching us as doctors way more than what we can teach you from our training and learning because that's what makes my life worthwhile. Seeing you in clinic and you teaching me how you're dealing with, you know, life and expectations and doing all the sports that you guys are doing and still having an A1C that sometimes are great, and sometimes they're not that great. You know how to push and we bring it down, life goes on, and you are amazing.
BARBARA DAVIS CENTER: MEET THE DOCTOR
BARBARA DAVIS CENTER
BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL WORKSHOP
The Beyond High School Workshop was designed by a team at the Barbara Davis Center to help graduating seniors and young people with diabetes to better understand what it will be like to manage diabetes on their own. Life in college and/or in a new job can be challenging so having a good plan for managing their diabetes is essential. The team included the following clinical staff: medical assistant Sasha Amiscaray; Ashlee Ernst, BSN, RN, CDCES; Ellen Fay-Itzkowitz, LCSW, CDCES; Tonya Jenkins, RD, CDCES; Darcy Owen, MS RD CDCES; and David Swaschnig, RN, CPNP-PC.
The attendees had the opportunity to speak with past participants of this program. These young adults had experienced firsthand the difficulties of managing their diabetes in different situations like a new job, travel, college, etc.
If you have a high school senior who will be graduating in 2025, please mark your calendar for an in-person college workshop in June 2025!
DÍA DEL NIÑO
A CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CELEBRATION
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation held an educational booth at Día del Niño (Day of the Child) at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on April 28th. Día del Niño is an annual celebration throughout Mexico and many countries and cultures around the world. It celebrates children, pays homage to their importance in society, and endorses their wellbeing.
Over 12,000 people flooded the museum for this free day with extra educational and cultural games and activities. The CDF booth educated people about diabetes through games, taught them that diabetes is not contagious, can be diagnosed at any age, is not caused by diet or lack of exercise, and cannot be cured.
The Día del Niño event at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is co-created in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is proud to partner with the Mexican Cultural Center on this initiative.
THE GUILD
CHARLOTTE TUCKER SCHOLARSHIP'S AMELIA LUKASSEN, PHOTOGRAPHER
Charlotte Tucker Scholarship recipient Amelia Lukassen was inspired by her passion for photography and a desire to spread awareness for type one diabetes. She knew she wanted to document something meaningful to her and other type 1s, something that is not commonly seen, and an aspect of life that seemed to fit perfectly. Some of the photos are a little intimate, but that is because she wanted the feeling of the photo essay to be authentic and truthful to the experience of the type 1 diabetes. “I was inspired by other pieces depicting medical journeys and wanted to share a bit of mine with the world. I shot the collection of pictures over three different days, both due to lighting and because I let the ideas for photos come to me naturally. One of my favorites is the picture of me with my tubing getting caught on the doorknob, as many pump users can probably understand this annoyance.” Great job, Amelia!
Amelia's Instagram
Tangled
Blood
Exhaust
Insulin Stay Prepared
THE GUILD
Be An Optimist
Saved By Insurance
Fridge Space
Falling
Highs and Lows
Last Resort
Wear It Proud
Reflecting
Sharps
UPCOMING EVENTS
ALL AUGUST
Rayback Collective
2770 Valmont Rd., Boulder
Come enjoy a delicious drink- they have everything from beer to mocktails to tea- and you will have an opportunity to donate an amount back to CDF! Hang out in the awesome backyard park and check out their rotating selection of food trucks! Kids and dogs are welcome!
CLOSES AUGUST 31
Run for the Ring Donations
It was a fantastic day raising nearly $31,700 for The Guild of the Children's Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Thank you to everyone who already donated and brought us another step closer to the brass ring — the cure for type 1 diabetes!
Donate today.
SEPTEMBER 11
Guild Membership Brunch
Valley Country Club, 14601 County Club Dr., Centennial
Are you curious about joining The Guild of the Children's Diabetes Foundation? The Guild is a volunteer membership group that has unique opportunities to be involved in program and event committees that not only make a difference in the type 1 community but also provide a sense of belonging and fulfillment. RSVP today.
SEPTEMBER 13
Night at the Rockies with CDF Coors Field, 20012 Blake St., Denver
Join us for CDF Night at the Colorado Rockies game! Enjoy a thrilling game vs. the Chicago Cubs and contribute to a good cause—a portion of each ticket goes directly back to us to support diabetes prevention, research, and care!
Buy tickets.
SEPTEMBER 14
Jewels for Hope Sale
3500 S Corona Pl., Englewood
Buy pre-owned jewelry and receive 20% off your entire purchase at our Jewels for Hope sale! All proceeds benefit the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Jewelry donations are accepted at JFH sales and/or the CDF office, 3025 S. Parker Rd, Ste 110, Aurora, CO.
Learn more.
SEPTEMBER 20
Moms Night Out
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver, 3203 Quebec St., Denver
Join us for a fun-filled evening hosted by Diabetes Connections, where we celebrate and support moms. Don’t miss out on this amazing event! Use promo code "CDF" to save 15% off the price!
Register here.
SAVE THE DATE! MARCH 6, 2025
2025 Brass Ring Luncheon
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
SPONSOR AN EVENT!
The best way to support finding a cure for type 1 diabetes is by sponsoring events that attract a wide range of opportunities for all to contribute. Reach out to us today to discuss the possibility of your sponsorship in creating a fun and engaging new event!
OCTOBER 5, 2024 THE BEVERLY HILTON BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Guests will enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, exciting entertainment, and musical performances! The star-studded evening will include Jay Leno as Host, David Foster as Music Director, George Schlatter as Producer, Clive Davis and Quincy Jones as Music Chairmen and more than 800 community supporters. The event will honor Diane Warren with the Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award and Jimmy Jam with the Brass Ring Award. From its inception in 1978, this event has raised over $115 million towards finding a cure for diabetes
Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes ages 6-18
For the chance to educate others on type 1, volunteer with CDF, and socialize with other type 1 kids!
Children’s Diabetes Advisory Board Members and Guild Presidents
THE GUILD PRESIDENTS:
Founding President, Amy Davis, 1978
Kay Stewart 1981
Carol Roger 1982
Joy Burns 1983
Charlotte Tucker 1984
Karen Aylsworth 1985
Carol Roger 1986
Norma D’Amico 1987
Melissa Tucker 1988
Janet Knisely 1989
Loretta Tucker 1990
Donna Douglas 1991
Jane Weingarten 1992
Jamie Angelich 1993
Nancy Cowee 1994
Georgia Imhoff 1995
Helenn Franzgrote 1996
Linda Broughton 1997
Marty Jensen 1998
Suzy Love 1999
Gretchen Pope 2000
Sally Frerichs 2001
Helen Hanks 2002
Diane Sweat 2003
Bonita Carson 2004
Margy Epke 2005
Chris Foster 2006
Debbie Gradishar 2007
Sally Newcomb 2008
Gail Johnson 2009
Sharon Kamen 2010
Judy McNeil 2011
Gina Abou-Jaoude 2012-13
Dalyla Creaghe 2014
Shelley Lucas 2015
Tangy Buchanan 2016
Christy Alberts 2017
Barb Oberfeld 2018
Cheryl Lebsock 2019
Lisa Corley 2020-21
Lori Finch 2022
Katie Grassby 2023
ADVISORY BOARD:
Sir Michael Caine
Mrs. Lisa Corley
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Daly
The Honorable Diana DeGette, U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado
Mr. Neil Diamond
Mr. Placido Domingo
Mr. John Elway
Mr. David Foster
Mr. Kenny G
Mr. David Geffen
Mr. Magic Johnson
Mr. Quincy Jones
Ms. Sherry Lansing
Mr. Jay Leno
Mr. Lionel Richie
Mrs. Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons
Mr. George Schlatter
Ms. Maria Shriver
Ms. Brenda Richie
Ms. Barbera Thornhill
Miss Joan van Ark
Mrs. Cindy Wells
Mr. Gary L. Wilson
Mr. Stevie Wonder
See complete list at ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
Another way to support the Children's Diabetes Foundation is through your will or trust or as a beneficiary of your retirement account.
By leaving a legacy gift your legacy can live on through advancements in prevention, research, education, and clinical care programs!
Interested in leaving a legacy gift? Contact Sophia at Sophia@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org she would love to connect with you!
