A Once-in-a-Lifetime Diabetes Milestone
Today—January 9, 2026—is my Beddian Diaversary. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1963, which means I’ve now lived with it for 63 years.
This once-in-a-lifetime numerical phenomenon was made famous by Bobby Beddia, a New York firefighter. On a sunny Saturday in August, Bobby was chatting with Rhonda Shearer, a visitor to his fire station, about his good fortune in being alive during a very special year. When she asked him to explain, Bobby shared that he was born in September 1953—and that in 2006/2007, his age matched the final two digits of his birth year: 53.
This alignment happens to everyone, but only once in a lifetime. Bobby was thrilled to be experiencing his Beddian birthday. Tragically, later that same day, he was killed in the line of duty.
On November 5, 2007, The New Yorker published an article by Lizzie Widdicombe titled “The Firefighter’s Theorem,” which recounts Bobby’s story and his now-famous birthday observation.
While Beddia’s realization centered on his birth year, people with diabetes experience a different kind of milestone—the day we are diagnosed. That day marks the beginning of a new normal.
Earlier this week, while out walking, I realized how fortunate I am: I’ve lived with diabetes for the same number of years as the last two digits of the year I was diagnosed. A true Beddian Diaversary.
I knew this phenomenon had to have a name. And it feels worth pausing to acknowledge the journey—one made possible by a lot of help along the way. Thanks to the friends, family, and medical professionals who have walked this road with me. Much appreciated!
+ Living with diabetes involves a fair amount of basic math. As it turns out, so does a Beddian milestone. Richard Brandt, a former NYU physicist, observed that Beddian birthdays occur only in even-numbered years. Mathematically, this makes sense because the event is essentially a doubling. Here’s how it works:
- If you were born in 1960, your Beddian year is 2020—the year you turn 60.
1960 + 60 = 2020. - If you were born in 1953, your Beddian year was 2006.
1953 + 53 = 2006.
See the pattern? One of the most basic principles in math is that doubling any number results in an even number. That’s why Beddian birthdays—and now, Beddian Diaversaries—can only occur in even-numbered years.