Newton Residents Work Toward a Cure for Diabetes

Newton residents Jennifer K. Sun, MD, MPH, and Wesley and Summer Chen are fully aware of the far-reaching effects diabetes can have on a family and they realize that Asian Americans, like themselves, are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes as the general population in the United States; this problem is growing. Dr. Sun and the Chens will join efforts to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for the disease at the 11th annual “A Taste of Ginger” event to benefit Joslin Diabetes Center’s Asian American Diabetes Initiative (AADI). Dr. Sun, who has been on the “A Taste of Ginger” committee the past four years, will be the event honoree and the Chens will serve as event co-chairs for the second year.

Dr. Jennifer Sun will be honored for her contributions to the AADI’s mission and her active role within the Asian American community. As a Chinese-American with a strong personal connection to diabetes, Dr. Sun is extremely proud of her association with Joslin’s Beetham Eye Institute and the AADI; Dr. Sun is an Ophthalmologist at the Beetham Eye Institute, an Investigator in the Section on Vascular Biology at Joslin Diabetes Center, and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. She joined Joslin Diabetes Center staff in 2005.

“It is a real privilege to work with Joslin and with the AADI team. I have been extremely impressed over the years by how well the AADI educates and cares for our Asian patients; the AADI accomplishes great things because of its cohesive and truly dedicated team of educators, dieticians, doctors and support staff,” said Dr. Sun. “So many people in the world today are affected by the growing epidemic of diabetes, including close friends and family members, so I know on a very personal level how important this work is.”

Dr. Sun’s father, who was born in China and now lives in the United States, has been a patient at Joslin’s AADI for many years.

“My dad is very grateful for the wonderful care he has received through both the AADI and at the Beetham Eye Institute. It makes me so happy to know that he is receiving the best diabetes care in the world at Joslin,” said Dr. Sun.

Wesley Chen and his wife, Summer have also experienced the effects of diabetes first-hand; Wesley’s paternal grandmother has been living with Type 2 Diabetes for over 30 years. Now 91 years old, the family credits Ah-Pao Chen’s resiliency to the care she has received at the world’s preeminent diabetes research and clinical care organization, the Joslin Diabetes Center. Last year, Summer’s father was diagnosed with diabetes, and both her great-grandfather and great-grandmother lived with the disease as well.

Wesley, who is the Executive Chef of the Lotus Cuisine chain of restaurants, which he owns and operates with his four uncles and two aunts, got involved with Joslin over 13 years ago to help with a food demonstration at a diabetes conference being held in Boston. Two years later, he was approached by Joslin’s AADI to participate in what was then a new food tasting event featuring some of Boston’s most renowned chefs: “A Taste of Ginger.” Now in its eleventh year, for both Dr. Sun and the Chen family, the event is something they will continue to be part of for years to come, and an evening they look forward to enjoying with their friends and family each year.

“A Taste of Ginger” will be held on Monday, March 23rd from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Museum of Fine Arts. The event draws hundreds of supporters and foodies each year who gather to enjoy a lively evening, which includes the opportunity to meet and taste the cuisine of Boston’s most celebrated chefs. Tickets are $250 per guest, and all proceeds benefit Joslin Diabetes Center’s Asian American Diabetes Initiative.

For more information on the event, to become a sponsor, or to purchase tickets,

please visit www.joslin.org/ginger