Brian Curran: A Full Strength Effort
At six years of age, Brian Curran was one of Joslin's youngest philanthropists, but he had and still has the ambition of someone much older. In 2004, when he was only five, Brian raised nearly $8,000 to support Joslin through a fundraiser of his own creation — Skate for a Cure.
It was the same year that Brian, an avid hockey player, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Brian's parents wanted him to view his diagnosis as an opportunity to do something constructive and empowering that would benefit others with diabetes. "It was important to us that Brian felt he could make a difference in his life and the lives of others," they explain.
Brian, his father Tim, who also happens to be his hockey coach, and mother Sue, brainstormed about how Brian could help. They quickly formulated the idea for the event: Brian would skate 100 laps around a hockey rink, and with each lap, raise funds for Joslin patient care and research, which is focused on improving the lives of people with diabetes.
Sue volunteered to be Brian's “manager” and helped collect and process the many pledges that came in. Skate for a Cure received a lot of support from family, friends and even some local businesses. Everyone was impressed by Brian's motivation and determination. On the day of the event Brian's family cheered him on, including his parents, sister, brothers and a cousin who also plays on his team.
It took Brian about an hour to complete the 100th lap and he took only one short break. A few weeks after the event, Brian came to Joslin and presented the proceeds from his fundraiser to members of Joslin's Development Office. In gratitude for his efforts, Joslin staff presented him with an autographed Nick Boynton Boston Bruins hockey stick. Nick Boynton, who also has type 1 diabetes and has worked with Joslin's pediatric program in the past, was impressed by Brian's accomplishment and wanted to express his support.
After years of living with diabetes, Brian is doing a great job taking care of himself. Working with his Joslin medical team and his parents, including his mother who is a nurse, Brian has learned how to test his blood glucose and understands more about diabetes management. Brian's care team, which includes his family and the pediatric care team at Joslin, is “full strength” — a hockey term that means all the players are on the ice.
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Page last updated: May 14, 2013