Virginia Beach mother launches foundation after son's death from Type 1 diabetes

Cathy Staton is raising awareness and offering scholarships to students with the condition after losing her son DeVon at age 33.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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After losing her son DeVon to Type 1 diabetes complications at the age of 33, Cathy Staton has created the DeVon Antonio Staton Foundation to help other families facing the chronic condition. The nonprofit raises awareness about Type 1 diabetes and provides scholarships to college students living with it.

Why it matters

Type 1 diabetes is a serious autoimmune disease that requires lifelong insulin management. Staton's story highlights the challenges of living with the condition and the devastating impact it can have, especially when complications arise. Her foundation aims to support others affected by Type 1 diabetes and prevent similar tragedies.

The details

DeVon Staton was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 16 after an injury during a high school basketball game. As he got older, managing his insulin and diet became increasingly difficult, leading to complications like kidney failure, high blood pressure, and extreme swelling by his early 30s. In April 2024, DeVon went into diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition, and died at the age of 33 despite going to the emergency room twice.

  • DeVon Staton was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 16.
  • DeVon died on April 14, 2024 at the age of 33.
  • Cathy Staton created the DeVon Antonio Staton Foundation in the months after her son's death.
  • The foundation's 2nd annual Scholarship Luncheon and Sneaker Ball is scheduled for Saturday, March 7.

The players

Cathy Staton

DeVon's mother who launched the DeVon Antonio Staton Foundation after his death to raise awareness and offer scholarships for those living with Type 1 diabetes.

DeVon Antonio Staton

Cathy's 33-year-old son who died from complications of Type 1 diabetes, which he had been living with since age 16.

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What they’re saying

“My son was very humble, very kind person. He was just real quiet, real quiet person. But he was real nice.”

— Cathy Staton (13newsnow.com)

“The more damage over the years, over the years, it gets worse.”

— Cathy Staton (13newsnow.com)

“He tried, but he just couldn't beat it.”

— Cathy Staton (13newsnow.com)

“Stay in they business. Stay on them about doing right.”

— Cathy Staton (13newsnow.com)

“Please take your insulin... Do right so you can live a healthy life.”

— Cathy Staton (13newsnow.com)

What’s next

The DeVon Antonio Staton Foundation's 2nd annual Scholarship Luncheon and Sneaker Ball is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, where the organization plans to award two $1,000 scholarships to students living with Type 1 diabetes.

The takeaway

Cathy Staton's story highlights the devastating impact of Type 1 diabetes and the importance of raising awareness, providing support, and encouraging proper management of the condition. Her foundation aims to honor her son's memory by helping other families affected by this chronic disease.