The Cause
THE CAUSE
OUR Mission
To delay or prevent the onset of Type 1 Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases
Inspired by her personal diagnosis story with Type 1 Diabetes, Sheila King realized the need that existed in prevention and early onset of the disease. Michael has long been passionate about using his platform for good, and when he met Sheila, his cause became clear. King of the Hill Foundation is dedicated to delaying or preventing the onset of T1D and other autoimmune diseases by working with the top researchers and scientists in the industry to identify genetic predispositions and environmental triggers, and support access to screening, cutting-edge research, clinical trials and therapies.
BACKGROUND & OUR STORY
Sheila was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2019. She had already witnessed the trials and tribulations of her Mom, Patti and cousin, Katy of living with T1D. She also saw the continuing quality of life benefits that were a direct result of governmental, non-profit and private funds for research and product development.
Sheila contracted Type 1 a few months after completing the 2018 NYC Marathon with her Dad, Peter, the NYC/LI Board President of then-JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D), ironically having raised $15,000 towards a cure. Doctors believe that two cortisone injections during her marathon training were the catalyst that “lit the fuse” for her Type 1 diagnosis, given her genetic predisposition. Despite being in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), familiarity with the symptoms and availability of quality healthcare quickly brought her glucose levels under control. Her healthy A1c levels today reflect constant discipline and using a “closed loop” monitoring system that was not available only a handful of years ago.
But, challenges remain, and their Foundation is focused on advancing and supporting innovative research and groundbreaking therapies to delay or prevent Type 1 Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases by working with some of the top research institutions and scientists across the country.
Michael and Sheila met at Boston College in 2013, where Michael pitched and Sheila played lacrosse. They started dating when Michael played for the Yankees and Sheila was living and working in New York City.
Michael has been passionate about their cause ever since their first date, and the Dexcom Clarity App provides him with both alerts and reassurances about Sheila’s glucose levels 24/7.
Michael has admired friends and teammates who have used their platform to improve lives and communities, and their King of the Hill Foundation was launched to raise awareness & funds for research and the clinical trials that precede cures.
