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Making a Difference Together
Caring. Multifaceted. Top-notch. Advocate. Those are just a few of the words used to describe Nancy Gaudet. As a multifamily leader, she is known for how she advocates for employees — matching them to the right jobs, assisting with career development, and providing impactful support for those experiencing personal issues.
When her son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at nine years of age, she also became a hero — to her son and to countless families who have benefitted from her advocacy and support. For parents and children alike, hearing the words “You have type 1 diabetes” is overwhelming and scary.
And for parents who have been in similar shoes, the next question is often, “Now what?” Unfortunately, the support systems needed aren’t always available.
So, from the moment Nancy learned her son had diabetes, she made it her mission to become a force for good. And in 2009, just one year after her son’s diagnosis, her first step was to launch a support group. This relatively simple step gave families of type 1 children a much-needed place to discuss a wide range of issues, from insurance, technology, and babysitting challenges to the worries of raising young and not-so-young children to live responsibly with the complications of their disease and everything in between.
The Path to Progress
Nancy did all this in her spare time, after hours and on weekends — esteemed Vice President by day, a champion for type 1 families by night. But as Nancy might say, “Yes, type 1 diabetes is a life sentence, but together, we can make a world of difference.” Fueled by deep-seated empathy and a relentless commitment to ease the burden of fellow caregivers, Nancy has since dedicated her life to empowering families affected by type 1 diabetes.
Over the years, she has raised 120,000+ dollars supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) research efforts by training for and riding hundreds of miles in bike fundraisers. Additionally, she has planned for and volunteered at golf tournaments to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association. In 2023, she took her advocacy to a new level. Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive support systems for families affected by type 1 diabetes, she set out to create a platform that would attract foundations and grant money, ensuring that no caregiver walks this challenging path alone.
No One Walks Alone
With a strategic focus on her home state of Massachusetts, Nancy envisions a future where every family grappling with type 1 diabetes can access the support, education, and empowerment they deserve. With that primary goal in mind, she established Type One Families, a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status that provides unparalleled support, education, and empowerment to those in need.
Type One Families is a compassionate haven dedicated to caregivers navigating the challenging journey of raising children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. We understand the immense emotional and practical burdens that accompany such a diagnosis, which is why we’re here to offer unwavering support, comprehensive education, and empowering resources. At Type One Families, we believe in fostering a community where caregivers can find solace, guidance, and the tools needed to navigate this complex terrain with resilience and strength.
While fundraising is a critical component of her organization, she also works tirelessly to forge partnerships with support systems and programs that can provide layers of assistance and much-needed emotional support to type 1 caregivers.
In addition to fundraising and broad-scale advocacy, Nancy serves families of children with type 1 diabetes in two practical ways.
Support Groups: Forming a support group was an important first step for Nancy, and 14 years later, that group she created is still going strong. She recently launched two others. Modeled after the first support group, these new groups enable the organization to expand its reach in Massachusetts. Now, families can seek assistance in Lynnfield, north of the Boston area, all the way to Hanover and Cape Cod.
Brave Beginnings Bag: Within 48 hours of hearing about a new diagnosis, their organization introduces itself with a Brave Beginnings Bag, which includes helpful information and snacks to ease the transition. Knowing the first few days at home can be scary and isolating, Type One Families want people to realize they are not alone, so they walk alongside families to be a voice of support and encouragement.
Mom on a Mission
Today, Nancy’s son is 25, and through her support, he has developed into a strong and resourceful young man. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and has a full-time job as a recruiter, along with side hustles doing landscaping, oystering, and upcycling. Nancy taught him diabetes is not an obstacle that can keep him from accomplishing his dreams.
If you ask her, she would say this: He's a survivor. Me? I am a type 1 mom on a mission to:
- Create awareness
- Educate others
- Provide support
- Advocate
- Raise funds
- Connect local families and caregivers
Since 2009, Nancy has helped nearly 400 caregivers, building deep and impactful bonds with parents of type 1 children in the process. One of Nancy’s colleagues shared, “She has forged lifetime friendships with people who share one common goal — to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. But until a cure is found, Nancy [will not rest in her] mission to guide and nurture those affected by this disease.”
Words of Wisdom
Nancy shares these words of wisdom for those considering starting a non-profit: “Just take it one step at a time. It is a long process and can be overwhelming, but try not to lose sight of the ‘why’ behind your ideas.”
Gaining non-profit status takes time — it took Nancy over six months to get Type One Families' non-profit status approved. And while fundraising is critical to expanding the organization’s mission, it can be hard work. “Raising money, getting people to believe your mission is worthy, and competing with other worthy causes can be challenging and discouraging at times,” said Nancy. “For every six to eight grants you apply for, you might land one.”
"I have so much more work to do and need to raise lots of money to expand my mission. I want to train other people to run support groups and employ advocates who can help navigate the school systems; I want to offer scholarships for kids who can't afford diabetes camp. I want Type One Families to be the first place that newly diagnosed families and individuals come to for education and emotional support."
While challenging realities can be found in the process, they are minor compared to the joy of positively impacting people’s lives. Dreams can become a reality, so just keep dreaming!
About Nancy
Nancy Gaudet has been in the industry for over three decades, 37 years to be exact, and began her career in college student housing. After completing her master's degree from North Eastern University in Boston, she joined the Corcoran team in 1990. Her first position with Corcoran was as an onsite property manager, and she has worked her way up through the ranks.
Nancy describes herself as fiercely independent, and she holds firmly to her faith, believing that it is God’s plan for her to do this work. She lives on a golf course in Plymouth, Massachusetts, with her soulmate Christopher, whom she met while working on a fundraiser. One of her bucket list items is to learn to play golf better.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Diabetes Association, New England and is also on the Community Engagement Board for JDRF in New England. When she is not working at Corcoran and on Type One Families, she enjoys riding her bike, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with the people she loves.
Grace Hill’s Impact Hero Awards Program recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to help others and make a difference in their local community. Learn more.
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