Patrick Mertes, Founder
Patrick is in constant motion. Since his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 1997, he has refused to let the condition slow him down. He has spent over a decade designing and directing camp and outdoor programs for Outward Bound, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Diabetes Youth Families (DYF). Life with type 1 has offered Patrick the opportunity to expand his T1D community throughout the US, within Central America, and as far south as Santiago, Chile.
Patrick has spent the last seven years developing and directing family retreats, residential summer camps, and high-adventure programs for individuals living T1D and their families.
In 2019, Patrick developed the PROJECT 50-IN-50 expedition and became the first person living with T1D to summit the highest peak in each of the 50 US states in just 49 days.
Professionally, Patrick works throughout Tennessee as a Territory Business Manager for Dexcom. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, daughter and son.
Contact Patrick: patrick@thedfc.org
Anne Sutton, Executive Director
Anne began her career as a middle school teacher in Charlotte Mecklenburg and Union County public schools. When her son Brady was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three, she left teaching to support her family and never looked back. She became a fierce supporter of families and individuals living with T1D and has served many roles in the community, including volunteer, board member, donor, fundraiser, and support group leader. Over the last 8 years, Anne has worked at JDRF, designing, funding, and executing community-based programs at the chapter, regional, and national levels. Her passion for creating authentic connections, growing support networks, and offering valuable resources is at the core of Anne's work. She knows the benefits of the T1D community first-hand and is dedicated to making that experience available to all. She looks forward to working with you and the DFC Board of Directors to continue our mission to empower our community to accomplish their goals and let nothing hold them back.
Outside of the DFC, Anne can be found enjoying amazing meals cooked by her husband, Ed. Laughing with her oldest son Brady and driving her youngest son, Paxton, to the barn where they feeds their horse, Carmen, way too many carrots and hike the trails with their dog Gus.
Contact Anne: anne@thedfc.org
Gail Machilek,
Program Administrator
Gail was born in Wisconsin and moved to North Carolina with her parents when she was ten years old. Gail attended school in Raleigh and met her husband, Rudi, during her freshman year in high school.
Fast forward 50 years to today - Rudi and Gail have two children, four grandchildren and three rescue pups.
Gail enjoyed a long career in the financial services industry and upon recently retiring from that role, was asked to join the team at the DFC in administration. She looks forward to working with everyone and is excited about being involved with the DFC.
Contact Gail: admin@thedfc.org / (p) 919-412-6716
Lisa Dudzik, Communications & Engagement Manager
Lisa (she/they) is a Midwestern military brat, who relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2018. After attaining their Masters degree, they taught sociology and women’s studies in Illinois, while running a small family business. Their hands-on marketing, management, and networking experiences led to opportunities to grow other local businesses.
For the past six years, Lisa has been deeply immersed in the nonprofit landscape of Charlotte, both professionally and through volunteer work. Beyond the office, you might catch her tending to the yard, adding a splash of color to the house, engrossed in a captivating book, or planning a family trip. Lisa hopes that her storytelling skills will amplify the DFC’s amazing programming and expand their impact.
Contact Lisa: lisa@thedfc.org