Opie's
Lasting Legacy
Opie was more than just a friend. He was family. As the cousin of our founder Becky and a dear friend of our founder Tara, Opie had a deep love for camp and the diabetes community.
His words captured the power of connection, and his legacy lives on through our tagline, “It’s what keeps us together,” a reflection of the bonds that make this community so strong.
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Brian “Opie” Long
April 2, 1980 – June 23, 2017
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just three years old, Brian, also known as Opie, began a journey long before most could fully comprehend it. The early days were challenging, especially when essential tools like glucose monitors were considered a luxury item and denied by insurance. Despite these obstacles, Brian faced every challenge with resilience and a deep sense of determination.
At the age of seven, Brian attended camp for the first time, spending two weeks at Camp Chauncey in Arizona. It was a formative experience where his love for the camp community took root. He famously asked if they could buy “Joe” a horse, a moment that forever reflected his endearing personality and his ability to make every experience memorable. It was not just the fun that captured Brian’s heart. It was the people and the sense of belonging.
During his time at camp, Brian quickly became a leader and was renamed “Opie”. As he transitioned from a camper to a Diabetic Counselor (DC), he quickly earned the respect and admiration from all. He often joked that someday he’d be running the camp, and little did anyone know, that dream would come true in his own way. Camp became his passion and purpose. His impact was immeasurable, with campers and fellow counselors alike deeply touched by his genuine connection to both the camp community and his fellow T1D warriors.
As much as camp was his sanctuary, it was also where he met the love of his life, his future wife. Their shared history at camp would become the foundation of a beautiful life together.
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For Opie, camp wasn’t just a place; it was home. His love for camp and his unwavering commitment to the campers, especially those with T1D, made him a role model for many. He had a unique ability to connect with newly diagnosed children, offering them comfort, guidance, and, most importantly, showing them that having T1D could be cool. His presence was a beacon of light, reassuring others that diabetes was just one part of who they were.
Beyond his work with T1D, Opie was a constant source of encouragement. He was the biggest cheerleaders, always pushing others to pursue their dreams. His larger-than-life personality and infectious energy could light up any room, and he had a natural gift for making connections. No matter who you were, he could strike up a conversation and spark a meaningful friendship, especially with those who understood the journey of living with T1D.
An amazing brother, cousin, son, father, husband, and friend, Opie was a constant pillar of support and love within his family. His deep affection for his siblings was always evident, as was his joy in bringing people together. His love for pickles, the Phoenix Suns, and basketball in general ran deep. His passions were as boundless as his heart.
In everything he did, Opie made an unforgettable impression. Whether as a camper, a counselor, or a friend, he left a lasting legacy at camp, a place where he will always be remembered and cherished. His legacy of love, leadership, and living life to the fullest will never be forgotten.
Read about Opie’s place within the broader Diabetes Network of Arizona community.