A man in New Windsor will today be celebrating his 80th birthday at the Thayer Hotel, West Point, New York . Not only that, he will also be being awarded the 22nd Joslin Victory Award Medal in recognition of living with type 1 diabetes for an incredible 75 years. The news should serve to inspire diabetics throughout the world that successful management of the disease is possible.
The Joslin Diabetes Centre, in recognition of Mr. Robert L. Bates’ achievement, presents the award. The Joslin Diabetes Centre is one of the foremost hubs for diabetes research, care and education.
The managing director of the Joslin Diabetes Centre, George L. King, reports that: “Joslin Medal recipients are individuals who have beaten the odds against diabetes, and Robert Bates is certainly no exception. Robert has continued to live a very successful and fulfilling life despite the challenges associated with the disease.”
Speaking about his award, Mr. Bates said: “I am grateful to receive the medal and feel a certain amount of pride in the fact that I have beaten the odds. At the time I was diagnosed, life expectancy was not favourable. I am appreciative that I received early training and education at Joslin Clinic and have benefited from ongoing advances in diabetes treatment, which have allowed me to live a full life.”