Imagine being nine years old and suddenly having to learn how to count every carb, prick your finger multiple times a day, and carry medical supplies everywhere you go. That was Theo Johnson's (Richmond, '26) reality after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) during a Christmas trip to visit his grandmother in Pennsylvania. One moment he was a carefree kid; the next, his life became a routine of needles, numbers, and new responsibilities.
"It was a very quick change," Johnson said. "I went from being a carefree kid to learning a whole new routine."
The early years were tough. Going through a major change at such a young age made Johnson almost resent his diagnosis. He fought it--especially the finger pricks--and kept his diagnosis a secret from his classmates out of fear and insecurity. But as he got older and started using an insulin pump, his confidence grew. He began to accept T1D as part of his life and eventually, a part of his story.
Still, managing T1D isn't simple. It's a full-time job. From ordering supplies and troubleshooting tech, to planning meals and monitoring sugar crashes, there's no "off" switch. And in college, things just get that much more complicated.
"There've been times I've had to leave the library because my blood sugar dropped and I didn't have what I needed," Johnson said. "It can derail your whole day."
There were social challenges, as well. During his freshman year, some of Johnson's friends didn't fully understand the seriousness of his diagnosis. At times, they'd treat his glucose tablets like any other snack, not realizing how essential they were for managing low blood sugar. Those experiences helped Johnson see the importance of educating the people around him. Over time, he began to share more about T1D and what he needed, and he gravitated toward friends who asked questions, listened, and wanted to learn how to support him.
When Johnson arrived on campus, joining a fraternity wasn't on his radar. But Lambda Chi Alpha stood out. One of the Recruitment Chairs had an uncle with T1D and took a genuine interest in Johnson's experience --an early moment of empathy that made a lasting impression. Since then, the support from his Brothers has never wavered. Johnson now lives with four Lambda Chi roommates who are always there when he needs them--even in the middle of the night, when his phone alerts him to low blood sugar, they'll make sure he wakes up and gets what he needs.
Outside the Fraternity, Johnson is also involved win The Diabetes Link (formerly College Diabetes Network) on campus, where he found another tight-knit group that truly gets it. From the fundraisers like "Cookies for a Cause" to group events, such as bowling nights and Breakthrough T1D walks, Johnson has helped build a community that offers both emotional and practical support.
That’s why the announcement of Lambda Chi Alpha’s new partnership with Breakthrough T1D hit home for Johnson.
“It felt like two worlds colliding in the best way possible,” he says.
Through this new partnership, Lambda Chi Alpha is committed to raising awareness and supporting the more than 1.45 million Americans living with Type 1 Diabetes. For Brothers like Johnson, the effort is more than symbolic—it’s personal. By working alongside Breakthrough T1D, the Fraternity is helping to educate members about the signs, challenges, and realities of T1D while creating more inclusive, supportive environments on campuses across North America. It's a chance to turn empathy into action and ensure that no Brother—diagnosed or not—has to navigate this disease alone.
Johnson knows firsthand that knowing the signs of low blood sugar—or just being willing to ask questions—can make all the difference. His advice to other Chapters? Partner with your campus’ Diabetes Link chapter if you have one or invite someone to give a talk.
“You will meet someone with T1D at some point—maybe a Brother, a roommate, or a classmate. It matters that you know how to show up for them,” Johnson said.
Because support isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s waking a friend up when his blood sugar is low. Sometimes it’s listening without judgment. Sometimes it’s just being the kind of Brother who cares enough to learn.
And for Theo Johnson, that’s exactly what Lambda Chi Alpha is all about.
Want to help make a difference for those living with Type 1 Diabetes?
Join Lambda Chi Alpha in supporting Breakthrough T1D’s mission to turn Type 1 into Type None.
Make a donation today and help fuel research, education, and support for families across the country.
