Young Concord Composer Honored By Joslin Diabetes Center

Alex Matheson of Concord, MA was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11 and has received care from Joslin Diabetes Center ever since. Now age 26, he remains actively involved in supporting Joslin's work to find a cure as he pursues his passion for music at the New England Conservatory. Fittingly, his two passions will come together as Alex was honored with the Frank and Jean Ring Memorial Award in the Fight Against Diabetes at Joslin’s 2019 Evening at Pops concert event at Symphony Hall in Boston.

Throughout his years at Joslin, Alex has developed close relationships with his care team, including Chief of Pediatrics Dr. Lori Laffel and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Katie Wentzell. “The thing that strikes me the most is that the technology has come a long way since I started, but there’s a lot of interpretation involved that is almost more important,” Alex explained. He appreciates that his care team is able to provide him the best technology as well as the knowledge of diabetes and personal knowledge of his journey living with diabetes to read and respond to the data. “The tech is impressive, but I really want to call attention to my care staff,” Alex said.

Passionate about helping Joslin find a cure, Alex has participated in multiple research studies. “I’m obviously motivated as a patient,” Alex said about why he participates in research, “and I’m invested in doing what I can to support the cause for a cure.”

At the New England Conservatory, Alex is working on his composing. His degree focuses on writing for the concert hall, but he also has experience with film scoring and interactive dance pieces. He readily agrees that his experience with diabetes has affected his music – in a positive way. “A lot of my inspiration turned out to be from my journey with diabetes,” Alex said, “I feel there are some interesting creative side effects of being made aware of my fragility.” He also believes in the healing connection that music holds and feels sharing this is important.

Alex is honored to be receiving the Frank and Jean Ring Memorial Award in the Fight Against Diabetes. “The credit should really go to my care team, but if I can be an ambassador for the fight, I’m happy to do so,” he said. Whether it be this award, his music, or his participation in research trials, Alex believes, that “If I’m doing my job right, it’s not just for me.”