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Living Long with Diabetes

Camp Ho Mita Koda Director, Rich Humphreys, was recently awarded a 50-year bronze medal by Joslin Diabetes Center of Boston. The honor, bestowed on those who have achieved “50 courageous years with diabetes” was initiated in 1970. Since then, approximately 2,400 people have received it. Rich notes that his goal is to continue living a healthy life with type 1 diabetes in order to reach the next level, Joslin’s 75-year medal. Seventeen people have received that award. Joslin also awards a certificate to those who have been insulin dependent for 25 years.

Rich was diagnosed with diabetes in adolescence, but has never permitted his condition to hold him back. He has traveled around the world, bicycled cross country, and recently hiked from Camp Ho Mita Koda (near Cleveland, Ohio) to his home in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – 370 miles – to raise awareness of diabetes and to raise funds for the camp. While no one would seek to have diabetes, Rich feels that many children and adults he has met believe that their diabetes made them more mature at an early age and much more self-disciplined, qualities that can lead to great achievement in life.

We know that many more people are eligible for these awards than have received them. To apply for the 25, 50 or 75 year awards, call 617-732-2413 or email medals@joslin.harvard.edu for more information, or visit www.joslin.org and search for “50-year medal” to access the application documents.

We would be interested in hearing from Camp alumni who have achieved 50 or 75 years with type 1 diabetes. Email us at camp@dagc.org to tell us your story.