When Donald “Doc” Meltzer, MD, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on his 12th birthday in January 1951, managing the disease looked very different than it does today.
There were no insulin pumps, no continuous glucose monitors, and no way to check blood sugar levels at home. Instead, patients relied on urine testing, reusable glass syringes, and a daily routine filled with uncertainty.
Today, 75 years later, the Voorhees resident is still thriving.
Meltzer’s remarkable journey reflects both the challenges of living with T1D and the extraordinary advances in treatment, technology, and research that have transformed diabetes care over the past seven decades.
“When I was diagnosed, there was no way to check your blood sugar at home,” said Meltzer. “We relied on urine tests, glass syringes, and a lot of guesswork. Today, my continuous glucose monitor can alert me before my blood sugar becomes dangerous. The progress has been remarkable.”
Meltzer’s story spans nearly the entire modern history of diabetes care.
He remembers sterilizing glass syringes each morning and using metal needles that often became dull. There was no A1C test to measure long-term glucose control and no home blood glucose monitoring. Managing diabetes often meant reacting to symptoms rather than preventing them.
Over the years, however, research advancements led to insulin pumps, glucose monitoring systems, artificial pancreas technology, and other innovations that have helped people with T1D live longer and healthier lives.
“Much of that progress happened because people refused to accept the status quo,” said Meltzer. “Organizations like Breakthrough T1D helped drive the research, advocacy, and innovation that changed the lives of millions of people living with type 1 diabetes, including mine.”
Meltzer’s connection to the organization extends beyond his personal experience.
A longtime volunteer and supporter, he joined the South Jersey JDRF Board in 2000 and has helped advance the organization’s mission for more than two decades. (Breakthrough T1D was previously named JDRF.) Following the passing of his wife Harriet in 2014, he expanded his family’s philanthropic support through the Meltzer Foundation in her memory.
“Doc’s story is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come in the fight against type 1 diabetes and why our work remains so important,” said Lindsay Fortese, Breakthrough T1D Eastern PA & NJ Territory Executive.
“For more than two decades, he’s been a dedicated volunteer, advocate, philanthropist, and leader within our community. Through his service and generosity, he has helped advance research, support families, and inspire everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.”
This year, Meltzer’s story takes on added significance as the Breakthrough T1D Meltzer Golf Classic celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Founded in 1986 by South Jersey volunteers, the tournament has become one of the region’s longest-running charitable golf events benefiting type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. The event was renamed in honor of Donald and Harriet Meltzer in recognition of their longstanding commitment to the cause.
The 40th Anniversary Breakthrough T1D Meltzer Golf Classic will be held June 8, 2026, at Tavistock Country Club. Meltzer co-chairs the event along with other longtime leaders: Tom Deeney, Victor Mogell, and Ben Yang.
For Meltzer, the anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate progress while keeping focus on the work that remains.
“My father lived with type 1 diabetes and died from complications of the disease at age 62,” said Meltzer. “I’ve been fortunate to benefit from advances that didn’t exist for his generation. My hope is that future generations won’t have to live with this disease at all.”
Today, Meltzer and his younger brother Richard, who was also diagnosed with T1D at age 12, have accumulated a combined 145 years of living with the condition, a testament to both perseverance and the impact of decades of scientific progress.
Meltzer’s story will be shared as the Breakthrough T1D Meltzer Golf Classic celebrates its 40th anniversary on June 8, bringing together community leaders and supporters to raise critical funds for type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.
History of the Breakthrough T1D Meltzer Golf Classic
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the Breakthrough T1D Meltzer Golf Classic is one of the longest-running and most successful charitable golf tournaments supporting type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy in the Greater Delaware Valley.
Founded in 1986 by a group of South Jersey volunteers connected through local recreational sports leagues, the tournament began as a grassroots effort to raise funds for the organization then known as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF), later rebranded as JDRF, and now known as Breakthrough T1D. The inaugural event was held at Atlantic City Country Club and brought together families, friends, and community leaders committed to improving the lives of people living with T1D.
Over four decades, the tournament has grown into a premier annual fundraising event while remaining deeply rooted in the volunteer spirit that launched it. Many dedicated committee members have helped sustain and expand its impact.
Since 2011, the tournament has been held at Tavistock Country Club. That same year, organizers established the Castro Cup in honor of Richard “Dick” Castro’s many contributions to the tournament and the T1D community. Awarded annually to the winning foursome, the engraved trophy has become a cherished tradition and lasting symbol of the tournament’s legacy.
In recognition of the extraordinary commitment and generosity of Dr. Donald Meltzer and the Meltzer Foundation, the event was later renamed the Breakthrough T1D Meltzer Golf Classic.
Throughout its history, the tournament has raised critical funds to advance life-changing research, support advocacy efforts, and improve the lives of individuals and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Its success reflects the dedication of countless volunteers, sponsors, participants, and supporters who have worked together for 40 years to create a world without T1D.
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
Visit: BreakthroughT1D.org
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.