Easing the financial burden of managing Type 1 Diabetes
We know managing Type 1 Diabetes comes with a lot of factors to worry about – we want to make sure cost isn't one of those.
We help the families of children and young adults with Type 1 Diabetes afford the supplies their doctor recommends to best manage their care.
It’s is more than just a diagnosis. And we are here to help.
Our Founder’s Story
Hear directly from the founding team – Will, Lisa, and Kim
Diabetes Will’s Way began in 2014 with a question from 14-year-old Will Oberndorfer: “How can we help others like me?” Alongside his mom, Lisa, and godmother, Kim Santucci, that question became a mission to support families affected by Type 1 Diabetes.
While fundraising for a cure, Lisa saw another urgent need: financial support for families managing the high costs of T1D.
With Kim’s business guidance and Will’s passion, the trio launched Diabetes Will’s Way—Will as the face, Lisa as the heart, and Kim as the brain.
What started with small donations and big dreams has grown into a meaningful impact. Today, the team remains humbled by how far the mission has come—and more committed than ever to helping families thrive.
"As someone living with Type 1, I know that cost is always a factor in care. Too often, insurance dictates which insulin, CGM, or pump we use—turning the choice between the ideal and the affordable into a constant battle. That’s why we founded Diabetes Will’s Way: to bridge that gap and make the best care accessible for children and young adults."
2014
The Beginning
In April 2014, we officially incorporated Diabetes Will’s Way, turning our vision into reality.
Just a few months later, we awarded our very first grant, marking the start of our mission to support families managing Type 1 Diabetes.
2014 - 2015
Fundraising & Advocacy
Our first fundraiser was as a small cookie exchange in our founder’s basement – but, by the next year, we need a much larger space thanks to our supportive community!
Around the same time, we were honored to receive a scholarship to MasterLab in Orlando, gaining national recognition for our advocacy work.
2018-2019
Growth & Innovation
In 2018, our annual fundraiser grew from a cozy cookie exchange in the basement to a lively Happy Hour at a local business!
By 2019, Lisa’s scholarship to DiabetesMine University Innovation Days helped put our mission on an even bigger stage.
2020
Navigating Challenges & Change
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, we quickly adapted, hosting our first online fundraiser. That December also marked a leadership shift, as co-founder Kim Santucci retired from the Board.
2021
Expanding Impact
June 2021 was a big moment—we won the Beyond Type 1 Diabetes Difference Maker Grant, helping us reach more families.
That fall, our fundraiser featured guest speaker Conor Daly (NASCAR Driver), making it our most exciting yet.
2023
Strengthening Our Future
In early 2023, we joined the Orr Non-Profit Consulting Program, opening new doors for growth.
By November, our fundraiser moved to West Fork Whiskey, where we proudly honored Kristen Harvey with our first-ever Difference Maker Award.
2024
A New Era
June 2024 brought another leadership shift—Will stepped in as Executive Director, and after 10 incredible years, Lisa retired.
That fall, Purdue Basketball players Will Berg and Aaron Fine headlined our biggest fundraiser yet.
Our Board
Our team get’s it because we’ve lived it. Many of us have Type 1 Diabetes ourselves or care for someone who does.
