About Us

The inspiration behind the creation of the Silverstein Dream Foundation is deeply personal.

“A note from Patricia Silverstein”

Not only have my father-in-law and my husband suffered from asthma and allergies since a very young age, but thanks to an organization in Denver, National Jewish Health, they have received treatments that allow them to live comfortably with their conditions.

My younger sister was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a very young age. For 25 years, she battled high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Then, at just 27 years old, she began experiencing severe complications, including kidney failure.

At that moment, we realized that conventional medicine alone was not enough to save her life. Desperate for solutions, we began researching active clinical trials that could help restore her health. This journey led us to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Ricordi.

We agreed to participate in the trial he proposed, which ultimately helped my sister become eligible for a double transplant. Two years later, she underwent the procedure—an intervention that saved her life.

Diabetes is not just about blood sugar levels—it is a trigger for several other life-threatening conditions, including heart disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, and more. It also takes a toll on mental health, adding yet another layer of struggle for those living with it.

This experience was a turning point—it made us see the urgent need for more research, awareness, and support for those living with acute health conditions. And that’s why we founded the Silverstein Dream Foundation—to give hope, to drive progress, and to change lives.

Because we faced numerous challenges throughout my sister’s three-year battle with this disease, we deeply understand and value the power of community, partnership and collaboration. Our philosophy is rooted in these same values—achieving the impossible requires a strong team and great partners.