Part 4 of the “What Does It All Mean?” series, a real-life reflection on living with Type 1 Diabetes, written by Dennis Goldensohn, who has lived with T1D for nearly 60 years.
By Dennis Goldensohn: T1D for nearly 60 years, advocate, and mentor
The Power of Advocacy and Volunteering
Being a volunteer and an advocate has its rewards. Those who take on these roles know that they are helping people who may be living with a chronic condition, need financial support, or require assistance in other ways.
In our world today, there are many advocacy organizations that work to address these challenges. They are the ones who truly make a difference.
A Lifetime of Supporting the Diabetes Community
For more than 45 years, I have been a volunteer with organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Breakthrough T1D-US, and the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI).
Throughout these years, we have organized fundraisers like Gala Balls, Walks, and Fashion Shows, events that have raised millions of dollars for research and development. Today, we are seeing the results of this work through advancements such as AID systems, CGMs, smart insulin pens, and other technologies.
In addition, advocacy efforts from these organizations help support legislation that improves the lives of people who live with diabetes. These organizations serve our community, and they deserve our support.
How You Can Get Involved
You may be wondering how you can become part of these programs and initiatives.
The answer is simple: volunteer.
I have always believed that we are our own best advocates. It takes a team of individuals to create meaningful change. Those of us who live with diabetes understand the challenges firsthand, and that gives us the ability to drive real impact.
There are so many people diagnosed with diabetes, and together, we have the power to make a difference.
Creating Change Together
Being an advocate and a volunteer is one of the highest honors we can achieve as individuals. When we come together, we can create real and lasting change.
The future holds great promise, but only if we are willing to step forward, get involved, and take action.
It is, without a doubt, in our best interest.
Make a Difference
Let us roll up our sleeves and make this happen, so we can proudly say: We made a difference.
This Is What It All Means
What Is This Series?
At Diapoint, we believe that the most powerful education comes from real people and real lives lived with diabetes.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce a new blog series by Dennis Goldensohn.
Dennis has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for nearly six decades, diagnosed at just 16 years old, and now approaching 59 years of life with T1D, without complications. His journey is not only a testament to resilience but also to what is possible with the right mindset and support.
Beyond his personal experience, Dennis brings a lifetime of dedication to service and advocacy. He spent 45 years working in aerospace manufacturing, while also volunteering with organizations such as JDF, JDRF, Breakthrough T1D, DPAC, and the Diabetes Research Institute. Today, he continues to mentor young people navigating their futures, while sharing his lived experience with diabetes to support others.
His series, “What Does It All Mean?”, is exactly what it sounds like: a reflection on life with diabetes, beyond the numbers, beyond the devices, and beyond the daily routines.
Through this series, Dennis explores:
- The realities of living with diabetes every single day,
- The misconceptions and stigma people face,
- The history and progress of diabetes care,
- The power of community, advocacy, and teamwork,
- And ultimately, what it truly means to live a full, successful life with diabetes.
This is not just education. This is perspective and lived experience.
And above all, this is reassurance that yes, you can.
