Adam Pakula has been fundraising for JDRF to support his nephew Ryan Kirschner since Ryan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 6. Ryan is now a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island and is so very grateful to have his uncle in his corner. They have always had a special bond. Ryan says, “my uncle is a great guy, we’ve always had a close relationship and we will always be there for each other.”

Having the support of his uncle is even more special to Ryan given the fact that Adam suffered a brain injury 22 years ago after developing toxic shock syndrome from a cut he got while playing softball. He was in a coma for three months and when he woke, he couldn’t speak or walk. When we asked Adam what inspired him to help Ryan and raise money for JDRF he said “I have the drive and the will, and helping others actually helps me.”

As a former stockbroker, asking people for money was second nature to Adam. And ask he did! Ryan remembers him coming home after going door to door in their neighborhood, using his walker with so many donations to support his One Walk team, Team Ryno.

He no longer goes door to door but still speaks to everyone he meets about his nephew and the need to fund research so Ryan doesn’t have to live with T1D for the rest of his life. “I hope and want everything to be better for Ryan”, said Adam.

Adam says he will continue to do everything he can for his Ryan and is always looking for new ideas to fundraise. When a family member mentioned they had some success fundraising on social media for another charity, Adam decided to create a JDRF Facebook fundraiser for his birthday. He raised over $800 in a just a few days!

Although Adam raises funds and awareness for T1D because he loves his nephew, volunteering his time is something he truly enjoys. Before the pandemic hit, Adam volunteered at CentraState Medical Center a few days a week. His enthusiasm and outgoing personality were obviously a hit with patients, visitors and staff. He recently received a lovely note from a hospital friend that included a donation for JDRF. He hopes to get back to volunteering in person at the hospital one day soon. In the meantime, he will continue to do all he can to support Ryan and everyone living with T1D.

Thank you, Adam for being a mover, shaker and T1D changemaker! We are inspired by you!