Program

Jesse Was Here

Jesse Was Here—a program of Beyond Type 1—provides resources, support and tools for those navigating life after a type 1 diabetes (T1D) death.

An Update from Beyond Type 1

The Beyond Type 1 team is sad to share the sudden passing of Michelle Bauer, the driving force behind Jesse Was Here. Michelle, her husband Jeff, and three other passionate T1D advocates—Josh and Tammy Stahl and Barry Sievers—died tragically on November 1, 2024.

Her impact on our community will never be forgotten. We invite you to join us in sending love to Michelle and Jeff’s children and extended family.

Here you will find:

Resources for the early days, weeks and months—from planning a service or creating a memorial fund to thoughtfully removing your loved one from social media or explaining T1D to others.
Stories from those who have experienced loss—some after living with T1D, others due to a missed diagnosis.
Connection with others—fellow parents, siblings, spouses or loved ones—in a private Facebook group for parents and siblings.
Opportunities to celebrate your loved one through legacy projects, raise awareness about T1D or support others navigating loss.

Inspiration

Jesse Was Here was inspired by the late Michelle Bauer Alswager’s experience after the sudden death of her 13-year-old son, Jesse, from type 1 diabetes. Grieving the loss of her child, and the potential loss of the diabetes community, she created an online community to support parents who had also lost their children to type 1 diabetes.

By connecting with others who shared her experience, she realized many of those seeking support and opportunities to honor their loved ones struggle with unexpected funeral expenses, ongoing medical bills and sometimes even the funds for a headstone.

Through her efforts, she discovered many others—not just parents of young children—were looking for peer support, practical information, coping tools and financial assistance. Working together, Michelle and the team at Beyond Type 1 created a very special program to serve this unique and deserving community.