Allison Orechwa, PhD, is a board member of the Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), deeply connected to type 1 diabetes (T1D) both personally and professionally. Diagnosed with T1D at just four years old, Allison’s life has been intertwined with the disease. Her sister, Marianne, was diagnosed at three, and in an unfortunate repeat of history, Allison’s son, Mac, was diagnosed at the age of four.
Reflecting on her journey, Allison shared, “The medical team who diagnosed my T1D predicted that the cure was just around the corner. My hopes were dashed when I turned 10, then 20, and no cure had materialized. While major advances in technology have helped me manage my disease better, only a cure will eliminate the disease.” This disappointment initially gave her a pessimistic view of T1D research. However, her unique career path eventually led her back to health sciences, blending her personal experience with professional expertise.
Her son Mac’s diagnosis in 2023 was a turning point for Allison, fueling her commitment to T1D research. “By the time he was diagnosed, my professional experience complemented my personal motivation to help find a cure,” she explained. Her scientific background drew her to DRC’s mission, which supports early-career scientists with innovative ideas through financial assistance. Unlike traditional funding sources like the National Institutes of Health, DRC focuses on high-innovation, out of the box projects that have the potential to make groundbreaking discoveries. Each project proposal is thoroughly peer-reviewed by DRC’s 50+ member Scientific Review Committee for innovation, merit, and feasibility to ensure its high probability of success.
Technological advancements like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and integrated pumps have greatly improved daily life for Allison and Mac. “The CGM has given me peace of mind, and the integrated pump gives me peaceful sleep! I can send Mac to school or friends’ houses knowing that he will be safe,” Allison said. These devices alert if Mac’s blood glucose level drops, allowing for timely intervention, and the integrated pumps adjust insulin levels throughout the night.
The DRC’s approach resonates with her due to its focus on seed money, building trust with patient groups, and having leaders who champion the success of innovative projects. A unique aspect of DRC that Allison appreciates is the direct connection between donors and scientists. “Most research nonprofits ask for donations to a general fund. Ours invites contributions to specific projects. That element can ignite passion in donors looking to support a particular cause with ease,” she said.
As both a T1D patient and a parent of a child with T1D, Allison advocates for better information exchange between scientists and the patient community. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating patient voices in research design and encourages patients to stay informed and involved. “You are an important piece of the puzzle. Talk with your doctor about current research, listen to podcasts about the research, offer to share your story with research groups to help them connect the work with real people,” she urged. Through her advocacy and work with the DRC, Allison Orechwa continues to inspire and contribute to the relentless pursuit of a cure for T1D.
www.diabetesresearchconnection.org
