Couple adds bequest to their support of diabetes research
Kathy Goswitz, now 62, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 19. Her sunny disposition masks decades of struggles with numerous complications of the disease, including hypoglycemia unawareness, a kidney transplant, toe amputation, and other ailments.
Fortunately, diabetes management has improved dramatically since she was diagnosed, Kathy says. “You can live a fulfilling and happy life [with diabetes].”
But despite advances in care, she and her husband, Tom Goswitz, firmly believe that more needs to be done to improve diabetes treatment and find a cure. To help make that happen, they have included a bequest in their will to support diabetes research at the University of Minnesota, and they make regular current-use gifts as well.
The couple says they chose to support University research because they had a positive experience when Kathy underwent a kidney transplant here. “The people were good,” says Tom, who tended to his wife as she recovered.
The Goswitzes say they also chose the University because of its position as a world leader in diabetes research and their belief in supporting their local community.
Both Tom and Kathy are active volunteers — Tom coaches baseball at Cretin- Derham Hall, both volunteer for a senior meal service, and they also participate in fundraisers that help provide holiday meals for those in need through the West 7th Boys Club in St. Paul.
While they are passionate about many causes, Kathy and Tom say they want to help advance type 1 diabetes research at the University because its researchers in the Schulze Diabetes Institute, in particular, are so close to finding a cure. “We really need to do something about diabetes,” says Kathy. “The time to do it is now.”
To support diabetes research, visit www.mmf.umn.edu/diabetes or contact Jean Gorell at 612-625-0497 or j.gorell@mmf.umn.edu.
