Walk the Walk with the Polizzi Family

A huge thank you to the Polizzi family who raised more than $10,000 in support of the research and pediatric departments at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Luca Polizzi, 13, has been a patient of Dr. Kristen Williams at the Berrie Center since age 6 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and his life changed forever.

On April 27, the Polizzi’s invited their family and friends to walk around their Larchmont, New York neighborhood to raise money and awareness. It is a tradition that began in 2018 and has blossomed over the years. With the help of Luca’s aunt who owns a printing factory, all participants wore customized lacrosse-inspired shirts.

Lacrosse has become a big part of Luca’s life during the past two years, and many of his teammates were in attendance.  Luca plays for the Larchmont and Mamaroneck travel teams, as well as the modified Hommocks Middle School team. One team even cancelled a game so they could attend the walk!

“To me this walk is a tradition, and it really shows me how much people really care,” said Luca. “Since I started middle school, a lot of my new friends and classmates don’t know or understand what diabetes is, so this walk is a great time to try and explain to everyone what diabetes is and what I have to do every day.”

T1D is a family affair. It requires paying attention to schedule, food, exercise, stress, technology and more. The Berrie Center educates the entire family how to thrive with diabetes. Luca’s mom Rosalia said, “The Berrie Center has been an incredible lifeline for our family, so we are so happy to be able to help.”

The day of the walk was sunny and warm. Although the event would have been a hit rain or shine given all the love surrounding Luca and his family. 

 “The walk is a big time for thanks and I’m so grateful to everyone who donated their hard-earned money to support the Berrie Center and the fight for a cure,” said Luca. “It really means a lot.”

Dr. Kristen Williams also reflected on the important meaning of the event. “I am very proud of Luca and the Polizzi family. The money they raised will have a direct impact on the Berrie Center and the team dedicated to Luca’s care.”

Click here to contribute to Luca's fundraising effort!