Breakthrough T1D Center Honors Champion Barbara Dewey Cammett with New Name

Breakthrough T1D Center Honors Barbara Dewey Cammett

In a moment that stands as a testament to resilience and dedication, the Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in New England has recently unveiled its new name: the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence. This significant change pays tribute to Barbara Dewey Cammett, who lived courageously with type 1 diabetes for nearly six decades.

John Cammett, her son, a passionate advocate for diabetes research and a leader at Breakthrough T1D, initiated this renaming to honor the indelible impact his mother's legacy has made on his life and the T1D community at large. He shared, “Throughout my childhood, I admired the way my mother lived a full life while navigating her type 1 diabetes. When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult, she became even more of an inspiration to me.” His words underscore the extraordinary influence Barbara had, encouraging him and others to drive forward in their quest for a cure.

The Breakthrough T1D Center has consistently worked at the forefront of research to uncover viable treatments and, ultimately, cures for type 1 diabetes. The center is celebrated for its significant advancements, particularly in terms of islet cell transplantation research. This area seeks to enhance understanding of how transplanted cells can avoid being attacked by the body's immune system, a critical challenge faced in the journey toward effective therapies. Over the past five years, the center has laid down foundational work toward developing curative cell therapies, which are seen as a beacon of hope for the nearly 9 million individuals worldwide living with T1D.

In conjunction with the renaming, the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center has received a boost in funding aimed at expanding its innovative research efforts. Over the next four years, the center will receive additional financial support to continue its quest for breakthroughs in cell therapies. These developments are expected to refine research methods towards producing healthier islet cells that can endure immune and environmental challenges post-transplantation. Leading this charge is Dr. David Harlan, a prominent figure within the research community, who will guide the ongoing efforts alongside an expanded team of experts brought into the fold to push collective boundaries within diabetes research.

Esther Latres, PhD, the vice president of research at Breakthrough T1D, remarked on the importance of collaboration within the Center of Excellence model, stating, “Accelerating cell therapies from our Centers of Excellence is a key priority area for Breakthrough T1D, and one we believe will lead us to cures for type 1 diabetes.” This vision highlights an essential aspect of modern medical research: the synergy created through partnership allows for shared knowledge, innovation, and ultimately, progress that would be unattainable through isolated efforts.

Furthermore, amidst these exciting changes, the center also announced the receipt of a generous $1 million donation from the Bukhman Foundation, underscoring their commitment to medical research and support for initiatives that enrich the community. The foundation's assistance will further enhance the resources available to the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence, solidifying its position as a leader in T1D research.

The Breakthrough T1D Centers of Excellence are strategically positioned to leverage the collective expertise of renowned institutions and researchers, fostering an environment where groundbreaking discoveries can be realized. The hope is that, through ongoing innovation and tireless dedication, cures and life-improving therapies for T1D are not just dreams but achievable realities.

Overall, the renaming of the Breakthrough T1D Center serves as a poignant reminder of the unwavering spirit of those affected by type 1 diabetes and the relentless efforts of advocates and researchers alike. As the new name rolls out, it will continue to symbolize hope, determination, and the promise of progress in the field of T1D treatment.

For more information about Breakthrough T1D and their initiatives, visit their official website where they detail their ongoing projects, community support programs, and advancements being made in the pursuit of curing type 1 diabetes.