Our Story

We made a promise. In 2010, when our son Liam was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of seven, we promised that he could keep doing all of the things he loved doing before his diagnosis. Since Liam was very young, we have taken him and his sister on outdoor adventures. Intense physical activities such as our hiking and rock climbing outings pose a challenge in managing Liam’s diabetes. However, we, as does Liam, believe strongly that his activities should not be limited nor defined by his diabetes. Our hope and our message were clear: Liam would not alter his goals in life despite his new diagnosis. Consistent with this message, Liam returned to rock climbing just three days after his diagnosis.

It is our deepest hope that a cure for type 1 diabetes will happen in our son’s lifetime. However, until there is a cure, it is critically important to manage this chronic medical condition effectively, and a key component of effective management is physical activity. By embracing an active lifestyle, individuals with type 1 diabetes can lead longer, healthier lives and experience fewer diabetes-related complications.

Our Mission

We founded Rock Type 1 to encourage and empower individuals with type 1 diabetes to embrace an active lifestyle. Our mission is to provide opportunities to experience rock climbing and other activities, as well as to provide education regarding the benefits of exercise. We strive to promote a stronger sense of community and support among families affected by type 1 diabetes.

Rock Type 1 Contributors

          • James & Gretchen Johnson
          • Clif Bar Family Foundation
          • CVS Health
          • Laborers’ International Union of North America, New England Region
          • OneTouch
          • Novo Nordisk
          • Sanofi
          • Tandem Diabetes Care
          • Medtronic
          • Insulet
          • Richard Wittenborn & Jean Scott
          • Glenn & Nancy Ramsey
          • Robert & Mary Lu Scott
          • John & Noell Woolley
          • The Soubliere-Brzoza Family
          • Rhett Suhre
          • Raymond & Donna Fenton
          • Michael Rocchio
          • Joe & Katy Killilea
          • Jamie & Kristin Re
          • Nadya Vorotnikova
          • James Devlin & Melissa Maloney Devlin
          • Bimini Horstmann
          • Jane Fusco
          • Lisa Nigro
          • Andrew Loewinger
          • Kenneth Bacon
          • Amir Shaikh
          • Gregory Ewing
          • Bradd Powell
          • Warren Seeley
          • Linda Rodd
          • Mark Lawrence
          • Steve & Jackie Faigenbaum
          • Ernest Renda
          • Roger Williams University Athletic Staff
          • Linda O’Shea
          • Mark Porter
          • CAMP U.S.A.
          • Flatbread Company
          • Rock Spot Climbing
          • Main Street Music
          • Access Fund
          • Glucolift All-Natural Glucose Tablets
          • Abbott Labs
          • Stop and Shop
          • Denali Outdoor
          • GoGo SqueeZ
          • Goal Zero
          • Whole Foods Market
          • Petzl
          • Five Ten

Rock Type 1 Board of Directors

Click on board member name to read brief bio.

type 1 diabetes

Stephen Scott, M.D., is the President of Rock Type 1. He is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University. When he is not working, Steve can usually be found climbing rock or ice with his family. He was inspired to found Rock Type 1 after his son Liam was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 7.

type 1 diabetes

Susan Ramsey, Ph.D., is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Rock Type 1. She is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor (Research) in the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University. Susan loves climbing and spending time outdoors with her husband Steve, daughter Grace, and son Liam (diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 7).

Jean Scott, J.D., serves as Treasurer for Rock Type 1. She is an attorney who has been both a law professor and a litigator in large complex cases. She did graduate work in linguistics as a Marshall scholar in England and trained as a nurse in pediatrics before college. She is the parent of two, Maria and Nick. Jean is also a founding trustee and has been a board member responsible for strategic planning for over 10 years at The Willow School, a nationally-recognized elementary school in Gladstone, New Jersey.

Gregory Fox pic

Gregory Fox, M.D. is a pediatrician and pediatric endocrinologist in private practice. He is the President and Medical Director of Camp Surefire, Rhode Island’s only camp for children with diabetes. He is on the board of directors of the Rhode Island chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is the chairman of their school health and childhood obesity subcommittees. Dr. Fox enjoys reading, running, and playing vintage baseball.

type 1 diabetesBen Mirkin, Ph.D., is a professor of Mountain Recreation Management and Adventure Leadership at Lyndon State College in Northern Vermont. He is an AMGA Rock Instructor who founded White Mountain Climbing Camp, as well as working for 9 years at The White Mountain School. Ben is passionate about getting young people into the outdoors and believes strongly in the value of outdoor experiences for all people.

Social Media Coordinator

Liam Scott serves as social media coordinator for Rock Type 1 and has been invaluable in the design and implementation of the organization’s social media presence.