Featured Joslin Society Member: Deborah Hamilton

Her life’s mission may be to conserve rare domestic animal breeds like miniature horses and donkeys, but Deborah Hamilton accepts that to continue doing what she loves, she needs to preserve her own health. Obligations as a farmer in Windsor, Vt. may stop her from traveling to Joslin to participate in clinical research studies or attend research seminars, but they certainly don’t prevent her from seeking the best care for her diabetes.

Well aware of Joslin’s reputation, Hamilton immediately thought of the Center when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years ago. “There’s no reason not to pursue the best treatment there is,” she explains, “but it costs a tremendous price to care for people with diabetes.”

“I feel very lucky to be a patient at Joslin—there’s a very quiet and concerned professionalism with the staff there,” says Hamilton. In gratitude for the “out of this world” care she receives, Hamilton gave $15,000 in unrestricted funding to the Center last year. She recognizes the importance of philanthropy to support the multidisciplinary efforts at Joslin, because, as Hamilton explains, “they are going to be the ones who put the brakes on diabetes.”

Become an essential partner in the quest to conquer diabetes by joining the Elliott P. Joslin Society.