Connecting the Dots with Barbara Donnell
Barbara Donnell has traversed continents, careers, and untold challenges to weave a tapestry of her life that represents compassion, determination, creativity, and hope. Looking back, Barbara realizes that her unlikely journey guided her to LJI.
Barbara cultivated her passion for literature and languages at Middlebury College. Her thirst for adventure then led her across the Atlantic, where she immersed herself in the rich cultures of Europe, as a graduate student, international government intern, English teacher, and finally international business woman, providing her first introduction to the world of technology and medicine.
Later Barbara settled down to raise a family in San Diego. When her daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of 11, Barbara immediately took action to find answers. She immersed herself in research, seeking not just to manage the condition, but to work towards a future where T1D no longer controls young people's lives.
In 2005, Barbara discovered LJI through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), when she met LJI's Dr. Matthias von Herrath and his team of dedicated researchers in 2005. Soon, guided by firsthand knowledge of the patient experience, Barbara became a bridge between the scientific community and those living with T1D. She began orchestrating a regular event called "Meet the Scientists Day" at LJI where families affected by T1D could glean insights into the latest research, and connect with the faces behind the lab coats (the photo on the left was taken at the event at LJI in 2023). Through her tireless efforts, she empowered thousands of children and their families, offering not just information but a sense of belonging and solidarity.
Over the years, Barbara's interests and philanthropic support of research at LJI branched out from T1D research to projects, scientists, and labs across the Institute. She also became an avid supporter of early-career researchers at LJI through the Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Awards for Innovations in Immunology . The photo on the right is Barbara with Dawid Zyla, Ph.D., a 2023 SPARK award winner. As a teacher and nurturer at heart, she finds joy in fostering the next generation of scientists, fueling their passion and guiding their potential.
In 2023, Barbara's dedication to LJI reached new heights as she joined its esteemed Board of Directors and became an integral part of the leadership.
Having been a loyal annual donor to LJI for more than a decade, Barbara recently decided to expand her support through a planned gift, and named LJI as a beneficiary of her IRA. For Barbara, giving to LJI both now and in her estate plan is more than a financial contribution-it is a testament to her unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future without disease.
At LJI, Barbara has found a community where creativity and innovation intersect, where scientists from all over the world come together and are empowered to push the boundaries of discovery in pursuit of lifesaving breakthroughs. "LJI helps me connect so many meaningful dots of my life. I'm very happy to be involved and make a difference," she said.
Barbara's philosophy of giving is multi-dimensional. Through her support of LJI, she hopes to instill in her children the importance of compassion and responsibility; and simply encourage them to embrace the joy of giving, knowing that each contribution brings us one step closer to a brighter, healthier future for all.
If you are interested in exploring the idea of a planned gift to LJI, such as naming the Institute as a beneficiary of your estate, please reach out to me anytime.