Breakthrough T1D is a leading organisation focused on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research, advocacy, and community support.

I was lucky enough to have known Pat since primary school, back when our biggest worries were the next basketball game at lunchtime and whose turn it was to start with the ball first. We grew up with a basketball in our hands: at school, at local parks, and anywhere we could find a hoop. Just one month before his passing from complications with undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetes, we played basketball together under the Eiffel Tower for the last time, something that now feels impossibly beautiful and deeply saddening to remember.

What I will always carry with me most about Pat is his generosity and his quiet kindness. He truly cared. He never asked how you were just to be polite, he genuinely wanted to know. He listened, he thought deeply, and he responded with insight that made you feel seen and understood. Pat had a rare way of making people feel valued, and I am forever grateful for the time I shared with him.

Pat should still be here. He was only 17 years old. He had so much life ahead of him. Through this fundraiser, we hope to honour who he was by supporting Type 1 diabetes awareness programs, so that fewer families and friends have to experience the devastating loss of someone so young, so loved, and so full of potential.

Fundraiser:

I’m going to make 500 free throws over two lunchtimes next week to raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes (more than 135,000 Australians live with this disease). As 2025 APC School Captain, I’d love your help with this, whether it’s donating on this page, which will go towards type 1 diabetes awareness, or coming down to the Albert Park College basketball court to contribute to the 500 free throws we will make.

Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th December from 12pm onwards.

Please donate now.

It's not too late to contribute! Donations are still being accepted.

Every donation helps turn Pat’s story into something that can protect others. Thank you for helping us do that.

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