Mom Organizes Dine Out Night to Raise Funds in Honor of Type 1 Son

Twenty three years ago, Carla Gomes first stepped into Joslin Diabetes Center. Her son David was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on his first birthday, and since then diabetes and Joslin's care for her son have been at the forefront of her mind.

Carla Gomes (right) poses with her son David (left) and Joslin President and CEO John Brooks (center) and the 2014 High Hopes Fund Gala

She has done everything in her power to help Joslin in the fight against diabetes—as proprietor of Antico Forno and Terramia in the North End of Boston, Carla utilizes her skills to raise money for the center that continues to take great care of her son by leading the event CityFeast: Dining Out to Conquer Diabetes, which she started in 2005.

This year's event will mark the 10th anniversary of CityFeast and will take place on Jan. 25 at 6 pm. Over the past 10 years, this event has raised more than $250,000 for Joslin Diabetes Center's High Hopes Fund, which funds innovative research, comprehensive patient care, pioneering education programs, and community outreach.

Living with diabetes is challenging, but luckily David had his mom to look after him. "Since I was little, my mom and I would always do the calculations together," said David. "She was always there to support me, and remind me that everything would be okay – and more importantly, that I was a 'normal' kid, despite my diabetes."

CityFeast has become a meaningful part of the Gomes family's lives. "CityFeast means so much to me and it's an event I look forward to every year," said David. "Not only is the event a reminder of how much my mom cares about me, my health and the health of millions of other people like me living with diabetes, but it is also so rewarding to know that we are giving back to Joslin, which has essentially been mine and my family's lifeline for the past 23 years."

CityFeast attracts hundreds of guests each year to some of the most renowned North End restaurants for a five-course meal with wine pairings and a raffle. This year, restaurants include Antico Forno, Aria Trattoria, Bricco Ristorante, Lucca, Lucia Ristorante and Bar, Prezza, Strega North End, Taranta, Terramia, and Tresca.

"Every dollar raised through CityFeast gets us closer to the day my son David and millions like him will be free from diabetes and its complications," said Carla. "I hope to make this January's 10th annual CityFeast the most successful one to date."

To reserve tickets for this year's CityFeast or to purchase raffle tickets, visit giving.joslin.org/cityfeast