Team Lyons was founded in honor of Joe Lyons who suffered a fatal heart attack while competing in the 2007 inaugural Cohasset Triathlon. Only 38 years old when he passed away, Joe left behind his wife Karen and his son Sam who was seven years old at the time. The Cohasset Triathlon benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and raises money to find a cure for type 1 diabetes, a disease Sam has been living with since he was two years old. Joe was determined to be part of the cure for this devastating disease that, in spite of vigilant care, can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, amputation, blindness and even death.

The goal of Team Lyons Foundation is simple – to finish what Joe started. The team began its efforts by training and preparing to finish a triathlon. Along the way, we realized that it wasn’t just the race that Joe didn’t finish, but also his mission to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and to create opportunities and awareness for those already living with the disease.

In 2008, 55 members of Team Lyons crossed the finish line at the second annual Cohasset Triathlon. The team continues to grow and come back stronger each year honoring the life of Joe Lyons and raising money and awareness for type 1 diabetes. In 2009, the Tri Team for Diabetes was founded by bringing together type 1 diabetic athletes in an effort to raise awareness and inspiration for those already living with the disease. The Tri Team for Diabetes is a real life example for those living with Type 1 diabetes that there are no limits, while at the same time demonstrating to those who do not have the disease the great effort it takes to make this happen and why we ultimately need to continue fighting for a cure.

The Foundation’s mission is two-fold: (1) to provide critical funding for research that leads to better treatment and/or a cure for this life threatening disease and (2) to promote and support athletes living with type 1 diabetes to create public awareness of the effort it takes to live a healthy and productive lifestyle where diabetes is a factor and not a focus. The Foundation is committed to making an impact on the future of type 1 diabetes and on the way it is managed today. The Foundation relies on the generosity of its donors, corporate sponsors and participants in fundraising events.

The Foundation primarily makes grants to Section 501(c) (3) exempt organizations that are involved with type 1 diabetes research. At this time, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the primary beneficiary of the Foundation’s grants. In addition, the Foundation awards grants once a year to assist athletes with type 1 diabetes with participation in triathlons or similar events, allowing them to pursue their dreams while providing a real life and inspiring example for others living with the disease.

Please consider being a part of our Team as a donor, volunteer or member. Together we can make a difference!