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Brian Shelton Obituary
Brian worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for 30 years. He loved everything to do with soccer and was the goalkeeper for many years with local leagues. Woodworking and riding his Harley Davidson were some of Brian's favorite pastimes.
Brian was the first human with Type I Diabetes to receive lab grown stem cells to replicate the natural action of insulin-producing cells, and to be independent of insulin injections until his death. The clinical trial was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA in July of 2021. He was extremely proud of this accomplishment, and what it means for the future of diabetes research and the health of diabetics worldwide.
Brian is the loving brother of Gregory (Anne) Shelton of Port Royal, SC and Allen (Barbara) Shelton of Hyde Park, NY; and uncle of Jean Marie (Jack) Morris and Scott (Cynthia) Shelton.
Preceded in death by his parents Willard and Rose Shelton.
Memorial contributions made forwarded to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, P.O. Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021.
440-322-3717 www.buschcares.com
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People and places connected with Brian
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Cynthia Shelton
February 14, 2025
Happy Valentines Day baby! You can have all the candy you want today! I miss you so much!
Cynthia Shelton
December 20, 2024
Today I scattered your ashes at a beautiful Christmas tree farm - just like you made me promise I would. I hope you are with your mom and dad and Billy. As I write this, your favorite song came on - "The Wanderer" by Johnny Cash. I miss you every day.
Erin Goodnough
January 26, 2024
I just heard about Brian´s passing. Our T1D community is so grateful to him for all of his contributions to helping rid this world of that ghastly disease. Sending much love to his family and friends.
Stephanie Coulter
January 24, 2024
What a beacon of hope Brian has given everyone in our T1d community. I am so proud of his bravery and willingness to say, "Let's go!" when tasked with being patient #1 in such an monumental study. Thank you Brian...you will never be forgotten as you forged the path for all of those living with this chronic condition. Sending love to his family, from a mom of a 14 year old with T1D
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Arlene Lynch
January 18, 2024
Thank you Brian, for giving all Type 1 Diabetics, and their friends and families, the hope for a cure. You will be remembered forever for your courage and determination. Rest in Peace.
Love,
Arlene Lynch, mother of 44 yo son, diagnosed at age 21.
Jordan C
January 18, 2024
I cried when I first heard Brian´s story. I started praying everyday for a cure after our precious son was diagnosed at age 8...and Brian´s story gave me so much hope. You are a true pioneer and trailblazer, Brian. I pray you are rewarded for your sacrifice in heaven! From all of us still here on earth, thank you, thank you.
Dena Pinell
January 18, 2024
Thank you.
liz chang
January 18, 2024
Thank you, Brian. You made the world a safer and better place for all T1D's. Your generosity and bravery are an example to the world.
Erik Millett
January 18, 2024
Thank you for taking the brave step as Patient 1 for VX-880 and for giving T1Ds everywhere hope both through the trial AND in how you lived your life.
Condolences to your family, and many many thanks from this T1D.
Laura Schreiber
January 18, 2024
I am a fellow Type 1 diabetic and I thank Brian for being so brave to be part of a clinical trial for a cure for us. This story gives me hope again.
Jennie Olbrysh
January 17, 2024
Thank you Brian for your bravery in volunteering for islet cell replacement. May all Diabetics keep you in their prayers and hearts
Brittany Harris
January 16, 2024
I´m devastated, I read your story after feeling so lost when my 8 year old baby was diagnosed. Thank you so much for your contributions to type 1 and giving us all so much hope. Rip, you truly are an angel Brian. Condolences to your loved ones.
Jag Brar
January 16, 2024
Thank you, Brian, for being Patient #1. Rest in peace. God bless you.
Justyna
January 16, 2024
Thank Mr Shelton - please wave for us from up there; we will not stop looking for cure - you will not be forgotten!!!!!
David Arnal
January 16, 2024
We'll never forget you, Brian. Thank you for your contributions to the type 1 diabetes community!
Patsy Hall
January 13, 2024
Sincere condolences for the family!! Brian´s contribution gives us Type 1s so much hope for a cure. We are forever grateful!
Cindy Shelton
January 12, 2024
I shared in Brian´s journey as patient 1. When the doctor was finished telling him of all the risks and possible side effects, all he said was "let´s go!" So determined and so brave. He always said he would "never give up." And you never did. May you be wrapped in the loving arms of your dear Mother now. I miss you. This is a picture of him waiting to go into surgery to receive his islet cells.
Miroslava Calegari
January 12, 2024
You will never be forgotten Thank you for the whole t1d community.
(mom of a girl living with diabetes from age of 5, Europe)
Jeanne E Caudill
January 11, 2024
Thank you from the bottom of my Heart Brian for giving long-time Type 1´s like myself HOPE for a Cure
Rya Laurel
January 11, 2024
Even when life presented new obstacles, Brian and his family went the extra mile so that he could help the diabetic community. Prayers to Cindy, you were his guardian angel.
FatCatAnna
January 11, 2024
Thank you so much Brian for leading a full life despite having Type 1 Diabetes. As someone who would love to be part of research to find a cure for T1D after almost 60 years diagnosis, you have opened up the doors to help future generations who won't forget you!
Jessica Crookham-Ball
January 10, 2024
I'm so very sad to hear of your passing. From one Ohio T1D going on 13 years I cannot thank you enough for giving me a real reason for hope.
Triana Rego
January 9, 2024
Thank you, Brian, for being Patient #1 and helping to give us all hope. Although you may be gone, hope isn´t lost. You will always be remembered.
Charlotte
January 9, 2024
Thank you Brian for being patient #1 with VX 880! You were a true hero among us. May your family know how much blessed all of us families with type one children praying for a cure
John callinan
January 9, 2024
As a father of a son with type 1 diabetes I am so grateful to Brian´s bravery. My wife and I were very fond of him.
Corby Ringle and Family
January 9, 2024
As a father of a type 1 diabetic Brian is a hero to my wife and I . So sorry to here of his passing.
Mark Goddard
January 9, 2024
Thank you Brian for trying the cure. So glad you got some time to be insulin independent! Love & prayers to family.
Tim Midboe
January 9, 2024
Thank you, Mr. Shelton. There are still heroes in the world.
Sheila Wilkening
January 9, 2024
My deepest condolences for your loss. Brian was a hero to me, my family, and so many people who have been touched by T1D. He helped to pave the way to a cure someday and for this we are all eternally grateful.
Stephanie
January 9, 2024
As a mom with two type 1 kids, we thank you for your contributions towards a cure for all. Rest in peace
Devin
January 8, 2024
Thank you Brian and family for being patient #1 in VX880. I am so grateful for your willingness to start this trial. I know it will lead to a cure, and it was the first step. My daughter has T1, thank you for doing this for her
Sean
January 8, 2024
As a Dad of a young boy diagnosed with T1D last year - I can´t tell you how much hope Brian´s story brought to me and my family as we laid in that hospital room. Thank you Brian for leading the charge. God bless you.
Kate DeVagno
January 8, 2024
I'm heartbroken to hear of Brian's passing. His legacy as a beacon of hope for all of us in the T1D community is unmatched. Thank you for providing hope to all impacted by this disease.
Joe Rauls
January 8, 2024
Prayers for the family, from a Type 1 in South Arkansas.
Rachel Durko
January 8, 2024
I am the mother of a 10 year old daughter with Type 1 diabetes. He will always be remembered as a hero to us! His willingness to make such a huge contribution toward a cure for diabetes will never be forgotten! We will be praying for his family during this difficult time!
Alicia
January 8, 2024
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I have a daughter living with T1D. What Brian did is selfless and has such a huge impact to all of us who live with the diagnosis one way or another. May he rest in peace and may your family find comfort in know what an amazing humane he was to our community.
Gwen Malone
January 8, 2024
I´m so thankful for the contribution that Brian made to type one diabetes research. My thoughts are with his family and friends as they grieve his loss.
Talita Trevisan
January 8, 2024
A hero in the history of type 1 diabetes.
Bernadette Johnston
January 7, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
D Hooker
January 7, 2024
Thank you, Brian, for unselfishly volunteering to help the rest of us T1Ds in our battles. As the cousin of another T1D who signed up for the original study of insulin pump usage on humans, I´m indebted to both of you. Your contribution will keep your name in our hearts.
Angelica Cadena
January 7, 2024
Please receive my condolences. My Name is Angelica, I'm Ali's Mother. He's 15 years old and live with type 1 diabetes since 2020, we are from Mexico. I knew about Brian for Vertex and the Trial. Gratitude to him was my first thought when I read about it because it was a huge act of generosity not only for people living with T1D but for mankind.
Thank you Brian
Russ Shipman
January 7, 2024
Thanks for lighting the path for those who come after you.
Allyson Brown
January 5, 2024
As the mom and spouse of people living with T1D, we can't thank Brian enough for his courage to be the leader in driving for cures. We will hold him in our hearts and thank you for supporting him.
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