Dedham Family Supports Joslin Diabetes Center

Concord Academy senior Kelley Conley has a knack for connecting with individuals, like herself, who live with diabetes, and for inspiring those who find it challenging to overcome the common “why me” phase that follows their diagnosis, encouraging them to embrace the challenge of diabetes. Kelley has taken a special interest in other young students with diabetes at her school, sharing her own experiences to make them feel more at ease, even if that requires demonstrating a finger prick on herself.

In recognition of her dedication and genuine passion for helping others, Joslin Diabetes Center will present Kelley with this year’s Merritt Levitan Youth Ambassador Award at their annual High Hopes Gala. The High Hopes Gala will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, at the Westin Boston Waterfront.

Kelley was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 3, one year after her older sister, Ashley, was diagnosed. By then, the Conley family had already been introduced to Joslin, established personal relationships with many of the doctors there and become well-versed on the ins and outs of living with diabetes. Because Joslin has played, and continues to play such a huge role in the Conleys’ lives, parents Rikki and Kevin have decided to co-chair this year’s High Hopes Gala for the second time, as a show of appreciation.

“Since our daughters were diagnosed, our attitude toward Joslin has always been: how can we help,” said Rikki Conley. “Diabetes is the first real cause close to our hearts and we want to take any opportunity we can, as do our daughters, to celebrate the doctors and nurses at Joslin who have become like family to us and the life-changing work that makes up their day-to-days. We are honored to be supporting the Center, which truly means the world to us, as this year’s High Hopes Gala co-chairs.”

Joslin also uses their network to help patients and their families connect with others who are going through similar experiences with diabetes. The Conleys bonded with the Levitan family at Joslin after their daughter, Merritt Levitan, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The families became even more acquainted when their two daughters, Ashley and Merritt, played against each other on their rival high school teams; they were both soccer goalies with type 1 diabetes, and they both ski-raced.

Last year, Merritt, 18 years old at the time and a patient at Joslin, was tragically killed as she was bicycling in a cross-country fundraiser.

This year, Joslin is renaming its Youth Ambassador Award to honor Merritt’s legacy and bring the Joslin community together to celebrate her life. The Merritt Levitan Youth Ambassador Award will be given to Kelley, who will serve as ambassador for Joslin by advocating for diabetes awareness and educating her peers throughout Boston about the mission of Joslin Diabetes Center. Through her ambassadorship, Kelley looks forward to raising awareness about the disease, while continuing to positively shape the way those affected by diabetes perceive themselves.

“I am so fortunate to receive the extraordinary care and support from Joslin’s doctors, nurse educators, and staff,” said Kelley. “I am honored that Joslin chose me to receive this award, and my goal is to help as many people as I possibly can during my time as an Ambassador, and beyond.”

The High Hopes Gala is a fabulous black-tie event benefiting Joslin Diabetes Center’s High Hopes Fund, which supports the Center’s greatest needs in research, education and clinical care. Emceed by Dylan Dreyer, Weather Anchor, NBC’s Weekend TODAY show, the evening will include a lively cocktail reception, exciting silent and live auction, live entertainment and a chance to win a trip to the 2015 Masters Golf Tournament.

For information about the High Hopes Gala or to purchase tickets, contact Meghan Mongeau at [email protected] or at (617) 309-2512.