Noah Moore

Brothers Entertain and Inspire

Noah Moore has found a career doing the two things he loves most — traveling and performing.  Through Tour Now & Then, Noah and his brother, Zan, perform “Collaborative and Motivational” shows that entertain, educate, and inspire kids living with diabetes at many of the American Diabetes Association’s Camps and around the world. 

Between destinations, Noah sat down to talk with Homefront about his unique career.

HF: What prompted you to become an advocate for diabetes?

NM: I was the American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador for South Eugene, Ore., which was a big turning point for me. It gave me a new sense of camaraderie with other kids with diabetes and it really planted the seed for what I do now.

HF:  Your show is one-of-a-kind.  How did it get started?

NM: I’ve always enjoyed performing in front of people and then my brother and I traveled around South America for 11 months.  There we learned street performance — with “devil” sticks, music and juggling.  We literally got our act together and made diabetes awareness the message of our performances.

HF:  How has it been to work and travel with your brother? 

NM:  It’s been great.  Of course we have our moments, but having a professional relationship makes us work through conflict pretty quickly.  Tour Now & Then has been the highlight of my youth.  We’ve impacted a lot of lives and it been great to be able to do with my best friend, my brother.

HF:  How has his presence added to your Tour?

NM:  He’s been a role model for kids at Camps who are there because of their sibling or friend and he’s been a role model for me — he eats healthier than I do!  But seriously, he’s given so much to a cause he normally wouldn’t have to donate to and does it because it’s the right thing to do.  I owe him more than I could ever give back.

HF:  What is a typical show like? 

NM:  The show starts with a fire performance to get kids excited.  The main show is a full costumed, multi-media circus show in black light that talks about following dreams in spite of diabetes.  Each year, the messages from our show change a little, but ultimately it’s about believing in yourself, caring for those around you, and living in the NOW. 

HF: What do you tell kids about traveling and your experiences with diabetes?

NM: First and foremost, take care of yourself! When you get older, no one will do it for you. Second, don’t let diabetes hold you back.  If you want to travel, do it!  Just by getting out there and traveling helps educate others about diabetes and dispel any stereotypes there may be about having diabetes. You can be a great example by living and doing — it’s inspiring!

Fast Facts about Noah:

Hometown: Eugene, Ore.
Age: 25
T1 diagnosis: Age 16, day after Christmas
Pump or shots: Shots
Favorite food: “Really hot” salsa
Favorite flavor glucose tabs: Watermelon

Fast Facts about Zan

Age: 23
Favorite food: Thai Barbeque Salmon
Why he’s committed to diabetes:  It’s all the personal connections I’ve made with children with diabetes and their families.  It makes me want to keep helping and working with them.

To learn more about Noah’s shows and read his travel blogs, visit www.tournowthen.org.