Joe Hamm: 12 Who Made a Difference in Central Mass in 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Editors

Four years ago, Joe Hamm knew nothing about the Barton Diabetes Center nor about motorcycles. Now he is leading an ever-growing charity motorcycle ride to benefit the Center in North Oxford where his son attends summer camp.

The 4th Annual Ride for Barton, a 70-mile police escorted charity motorcycle ride for the Barton Center for Diabetes Education was held this September. Hamm learned about the Center when his son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and began camping at Barton.

Hamm was amazed by the camp and its ability to teach the children to manage their diabetes, while having trained professional on staff to handle any situation that arose. But, he also knew that attending a camp that well staffed is too expensive for most families.

So, he decided to do something for the Center's "Campership Fund." This fund, which goes toward helping other children with Type 1 diabetes get the Barton camp experience, receives all proceeds from the ride.