A life of adventure, a legacy of impact
When asked about his life, Alan Goldberg can rattle off a long list of professional accomplishments and talk about his adventures as a world traveler. But in 1968, he was merely 12 years old practicing injections on an orange after being diagnosed with T1D.
“It was just before the holidays. My mom took me to the doctor, after I couldn’t make it home from my Patrol Boy post to the bathroom in time. The doctor's Clinitest showed 4+, so that meant my urine sugar was very high. I spent two weeks in the hospital,” recalls Alan.
Alan has lived with T1D for more than 57 years and has traveled the world—never letting his condition stop him from doing what he loves. His first solo trip abroad was during the summer of 1975 at age 19.
“Through my work as head of my high school AFS student chapter I became friends with many foreign exchange students. Just after my freshman year at UC Davis, I set off to see them in their home countries,” says Alan. In this trip alone, Alan traveled to 5 different European countries, all while managing his T1D.
While his passion for international travel remains, Alan's management of T1D has changed. As he spends summers walking the beach in Portugal, he now uses a (CGM) to manage his blood sugar and keep himself safe.
“I began experiencing hypoglycemic unawareness, and after a very bad low blood sugar while attending a professional conference, I began using CGM. The Dexcom has been life-changing and allows me to continue to work and travel,” shares Alan.
Alan credits the research advancements from leading scientists over the years for the impact CGM technology has made in his life. “My previous endocrinologist’s brother is Richard Insel, who led the strategic direction and oversight for JDRF’s (now Breakthrough T1D) research during his tenure as Chief Scientific Officer. This motivated me to support the organization,” shares Alan.
Alan extended his generosity by naming Breakthrough T1D as one of the beneficiaries of his trust. “I decided early on not to pass on my genetics. Instead of leaving the bulk of my estate to family, I have chosen to endow charities that are important to me,” says Alan.
Alan’s gift is one of many that will continue to power our progress as we work to improve lives and drive toward cures.
