MADISON (WKOW) -- Two victims of a deadly crash in Verona on November 1 were well-known in our area and around the world.
Michelle and Jeffrey Bauer were fierce advocates in the diabetes community.
Michelle lost her son to complications from Type 1 diabetes when he was just 13 years old.
She made it her life's work to fight for other families.
The news of the accident came as a shock to so many in our community, including me. Michelle and Jeff were dear friends of mine.
They had the gift of lifting people up when they needed it most, supporting families in so many ways and being a light to everyone around them.
From the moment Michelle's son, Jesse, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she started fighting to raise awareness and funds for critical research.
Over the years, Michelle completed 23 charity bike rides, raising more than $150,000.
She served on the leadership council of Beyond Type 1 and worked closely with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Michelle also founded "Jesse Was Here: A Program of Beyond Type 1 Diabetes." It provides support to families around the world to help navigate the complexities of the disease.
Her efforts were recognized over the years, and she received a number of honors for her work, including a Jefferson Award from 27 News.
Michelle's energy for life, family and friends was matched in her husband Jeff.
In 2018, they married at the top of the state Capitol alongside their children.
It was a beautiful relationship and they shared an adventurous life together, competing in IRONMAN triathlons, traveling around the world and loving their children fiercely.
Much of their time was spent at their Northwoods home on Lake Metonga in Crandon, which they opened up to many of their friends, including me.
It became my place to reset and find peace, because Michelle and Jeff made it that way.
In 2020, Michelle published her book, "Jesse Was Here: More Lasagna, Please: Feeding the Soul of a Grieving Mother," offering a guide to help people navigate grief.
Michelle and Jeff were a guiding light to so many and truly lived fully with open hearts.
More at WKOW 27 News