Holden Angelson

Background

About Holden Angelson

When asked to describe who I am as a person, I’m reminded of my time as a volunteer for several galas hosted by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI). Being involved with these organizations is of paramount importance to my entire family as both my younger sister and I live with T1D. There was one gala in particular, which was the largest event the JDRF had undertaken - it was held on the field at MetLife Stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands. As a head volunteer, I raced around all night helping people - from simply finding seats to finding bathrooms to finding friends and family to responding in detail to questions about life with T1D to supervising younger volunteers. I didn’t stop moving the entire night. I treat my role at these galas quite seriously as I want everything to be perfect. The potential for large donations this night was significant and all money donated would fund critical research to treat and cure T1D. The more perfect the night, the more people tend to open their wallets and purses. It turned out to be a big night. We need to create a world where no parent stays up all night (night after night) managing a child’s blood sugar… a world where no child is ostracized by his/her peers because of an insulin pump or a continuous glucose monitor…. a world where my sister doesn’t need to deal with the 24/7 management of T1D. My drive, motivation and perseverance in JDRF and DRI activities are the same attributes I will bring to the table when working with and for you. My loyalty and hard-work will not waver.