I’ve never felt a culture of giving, togetherness, and dedication like I do from the people at this organization.” 

The world is changed by your actions, not by your words.” 

The unexpected diagnosis

Katie Howell, a Mississippian-turned-New Yorker, has a wide array of hobbies: crafting pottery at her local ceramics studio, enjoying old movies in the theater, cozying up with a book in Prospect Park, and taking in the sun at Rockaway Beach. Katie moved to Brooklyn after completing a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and she’s thoroughly enjoying getting to know her new neighborhood.

Suddenly, things took a turn. Last year, Katie started experiencing symptoms of something unknown—for three months, she had no idea what was going on with her body. Then, in a moment of complete shock, 25-year-old Katie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). “Without a family history of T1D and without any health issues of my own, being diagnosed with a sudden, serious chronic illness could not have been more unexpected,” Katie explained.

At the time of her diagnosis, Katie was confronted with a flood of emotions. There was not a single person in her life that had T1D or could understand her experience. “…one of the most challenging parts of being diagnosed with a chronic illness is accepting it […]. This comes with a lot of hopeless feelings, and it is tough to surrender control to an incurable, pervasive, and expensive health condition,” Katie lamented.

Feeling alone and lost, she had no choice but to accept that she was dealing with a major life change—whatever that meant for the future.

Influenced

It wasn’t long before Katie took to social media to learn more about her diagnosis and connect with the T1D community. On Instagram, she stumbled upon Lauren Bongiorno, a T1D influencer. Ms. Bongiorno posted a video promoting DIAGNODE-3, a phase 3 clinical trial for the disease-modifying therapy Diamyd® for early-stage T1D.

Katie found that DIAGNODE-3 was enrolling at The Pediatric Diabetes Center at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. After reaching out to the team at NYU, she realized that the stars had aligned: they had just opened enrollment, and after completing the necessary screening, Katie would be Participant Number One.

“It gets easier every visit!”

Katie received her first study injection in January and will get her third and final injection this month, followed by routine check-ins. This includes blood work, physical exams, and mixed-meal tolerance tests to measure her body’s ability to produce insulin.

As per the study protocol, Katie doesn’t know if she’s receiving the placebo or the study drug, Diamyd®. Still, she likes being in the study: she’s made meaningful connections with the trial team, has learned a lot about T1D, and feels that she’s making a difference—not just for herself, but also for biomedical research.

Katie’s biggest hurdles? Bloodwork and hospitals. “One challenge of this study is the routine blood work and being treated at the hospital. However, it does feel like exposure therapy. It gets easier every visit!” she exclaimed.

Finding her community

Since her diagnosis, Katie has made lasting relationships with others in the T1D community. She connected with the Greater New York Metro Chapter of Breakthrough T1D after volunteering at a Walk in NYC last fall. They introduced her to a group chat with other newly diagnosed young women, where they can ask questions, network, and learn from each other as they navigate their new realities.

“My advice to someone considering [the DIAGNODE-3] trial would be that, though the study is a commitment and an undertaking, they are taking part in discovering medical breakthroughs and T1D treatment research.”

Katie Howell

Participate in clinical trials

Clinical trials are key to bringing medical advancements from the lab to the clinic. This wouldn’t be possible without brave people with T1D, like Katie, who volunteer to participate. These studies offer the potential for life-changing treatment and move the ball forward for the T1D community.

Use our Clinical Trials Matching Tool to find a trial near you. Connect with a Clinical Trial Education Volunteer in your area to learn more about trial participation and answer any questions you may have.

From March 19-22, the world’s leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) researchers—including Breakthrough T1D staff, funded researchers, and partners—gathered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for the 2025 Advanced Technologies and Treatments in Diabetes (ATTD) conference. There were dozens of presentations, symposiums, panels and more over the course of the conference, providing a snapshot of the current state of T1D research, management, treatment, and, most importantly, progress towards cures.

Here are a few of the highlights.

Cell therapies

Cell therapies, which place insulin-producing cells into people living with T1D, are a priority of Breakthrough T1D for a simple reason: they have the potential to cure T1D. ATTD covered where cell therapies are on their path toward becoming a reality.

Breakthrough T1D Vice President of Research, Esther Latres, Ph.D., chaired a session on beta cell therapies for T1D. In this session, several researchers funded by Breakthrough T1D, including Andrew Stewart, M.D. (Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine), Cristina Nostro, Ph.D. (University of Toronto), Matthias Hebrok, Ph.D. (Helmholtz Munich), and Anath Shalev, M.D. (University of Alabama at Birmingham), discussed their work and the different tactics each are taking.

For example, Dr. Stewart and Dr. Shalev are working on cell survival and regeneration towards identifying ways to protect and prevent the loss of the body’s own beta cells —whereas Dr. Hebrok and Dr. Nostro are working on adapting the immune system to accept and not reject manufactured islet cells after transplantation. Dr. Hebrok is using an elegant approach based on generating chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to create a localized immune-suppressive environment.

This session highlighted the multiple-shots-on-goal approach required to address the challenge of protecting beta cells from immune-mediated destruction, whether the islet cells are the body’s own that remain at early stages of the disease or are the manufactured islet cells transplanted at later stages.

The speakers at Vertex’s industry symposium emphasized the same key point: the burden of T1D is too high, even with current therapies. Cell therapies can transform how this disease is managed—but they need to be minimally invasive and scalable. (If that sounds familiar, it’s because that’s what Breakthrough T1D is working to create through Project ACT.)

Using personal experiences to measure the benefits of cell therapies

It is important to understand how a medication, device, or therapeutic procedure (i.e., islet cell transplant) affects the lived experiences of a person. To do this, medical professionals use Person-Reported Outcome and Experience Measures (PROMs and PREMs) to understand how a new therapy influences a person’s day-to-day experience. These assessments generally inquire about how a person with T1D receiving a new therapy feels (stress, anxiety, overall mood), their diabetes management (time spent thinking about or making decisions about the disease), their use of the treatment or device (convenience, effectiveness, intrusiveness), and their overall quality of life (sleep, family life, work, finances, etc.).

Led by Breakthrough T1D Vice President of Research, Esther Latres, Ph.D., and co-organizers from the Breakthrough T1D Advocacy and Medical Affairs teams, Breakthrough T1D organized a PROMs workshop in Cell Therapy to capture meaningful data on a person’s subjective outcomes and experiences. The participants had a diverse range of expertise across the spectrum of T1D management, including people with lived T1D experience and professional and clinical research backgrounds. The one-day workshop focused on identifying what matter most to people living with T1D to inform PROMs assessments. The goal is to ensure that emerging cell therapy treatments and technologies are valued for both improving glycemic outcomes and improving lives.

Improving lives

Until we have cures, we need better tools for the millions around the globe living with T1D to lead healthier, fuller lives. That’s the focus of Breakthrough T1D’s Improving Lives portfolio.

Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer, Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D., chaired a session on fully closing the loop with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. (This means systems that require no input from the user.) There are a number of strategies to work towards this, including dual-hormone pumps, DIY systems, and systems that use insulin alone.

Breakthrough T1D Research Director, Jonathan Rosen, Ph.D., moderated a session titled Futuristic Technologies to Improve Outcomes and Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes. This session featured some innovative device and drug-device combinations under development for T1D. This includes a miniaturized insulin pump, a CGM combined with a pump into one wearable device, infusion sets made with new materials to promote extended wear, and non-insulin glucose control therapies paired with AID systems to improve outcomes.

Breakthrough T1D Chief Medical Officer International, Thomas Danne, M.D., chaired a panel titled Time in Tight Range: A Crucial Goal or Unnecessary Burden?

Time in Tight Range, which is now referred to as Time in Normal Glycemia (TING), is defined as time spent in a narrower blood glucose range (70-140 mg/dl). To lower the risk of complications as much as possible, we need to help people with T1D get as close as they can to replicating the glycemic range of a person without T1D.

That’s a lofty goal—especially considering that today, with the tools we have, the majority are not spending enough time in a wider range (70-180 mg/dl). This shift towards TING will give people with T1D a better target to aim for and reinforce the notion that we need better tools.

Building consensus for continuous ketone monitoring

Developing continuous ketone monitoring (CKM) systems is one of the current priorities of Breakthrough T1D’s Improving Lives work. It’s important because diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a significant and dangerous risk for people with T1D. CKMs have the potential to prevent DKA by informing people when ketones are rising so they can take steps to mitigate it before it becomes a crisis.

Additionally, they have the potential to enable safe use of SGLT inhibitors, a class of drugs that has benefits for heart and kidney complications but comes with an increased risk of DKA.

Led by the Medical Affairs team and Chief Medical Officer International, Thomas Danne, M.D., Breakthrough T1D is spearheading the development of an international consensus guidance document around CKM.

These devices are coming, and the medical community needs to be prepared. They will be a first, and there are many things to work out before they’re ready. For example, when should CKMs alert the users? What actions should the users take when the alarms go off? How do we balance real-world use with clinical utility?

These guidelines—and the experts from around the world who attended the meeting—will cover that. Together, they’re working on a manuscript they expect to publish later in 2025.

Early detection

In addition to chairing a panel titled Early Detection of Diabetes and Intervention Strategies to Prevent Complications, Breakthrough T1D Associate Vice President of Community Screening and Clinical Trial Education, Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Ph.D., also led a symposium that laid out Breakthrough T1D’ s vision for screening and early detection. This session outlined the many components that must be achieved to fully realize our vision of a world without T1D. For early detection of diabetes, that means that research must first provide evidence of the importance and benefits of screening—a task that has been achieved by all the Breakthrough T1D worldwide screening programs—and work closely with regulatory affairs, health policy, and medical affairs to move towards general population screening.

Up next: ADA

The next big meeting is the year’s largest: The American Diabetes Association Annual Scientific Sessions. This meeting will take place from June 20-23 in Chicago, Illinois—and we’ll be there to cover the latest and greatest.  

Did you know that women make up only 28% of the science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) workforce?

While we have made some progress closing the gender gap in STEM professions in past decades, there is still more work to be done. To support this effort, it’s critically important that we take time to recognize the incredible contributions that women in science are making every day—and all the hard work they’ve done to get there.

This Women’s History Month, Breakthrough T1D is highlighting the accomplishments of Kelsey Voss, Ph.D., a recently appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine and a recipient of Breakthrough T1D’s Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship Award.

Flipping the script

Kelsey’s story begins the same way many other young women’s stories have: she was encouraged to pursue a subject other than science. Maybe something less “hard.”

After a less-than-perfect score on a math exam in high school, Kelsey was pushed toward Liberal Arts and away from courses like Chemistry. Her response? Push back even harder. “…I went all-in on biomedical research after that because that’s what I thought was the most interesting,” she recalled.

From then on, her path became clear. Kelsey majored in Biology at the University of Mary Washington and had her first encounter with the world of biomedical research. The next stop was George Mason University, where Kelsey volunteered in a lab studying host-pathogen interactions. She gained valuable experience in experimental techniques and journal publications, eventually transitioning to and completing a master’s degree there—each day becoming a better scientist.

From trainee to Principal Investigator

All the while, Kelsey knew she wanted to be a Principal Investigator (PI) one day, calling the shots in her own lab. She continued her training and pursued a Ph.D. at the Uniformed Services University, working under Andrew Snow, Ph.D., studying T cells. The lab environment was engaging, fun, and productive. But, research is hard—the graduate program was notoriously difficult, and Kelsey faced unexpected results in her studies. Despite these challenges, Kelsey thrived. “The challenge is to not let failure become tied to your self-worth,” she explained. This is a tough lesson that all scientists eventually come to bear.

She found a mentor in Dr. Snow.

“I saw how it could be possible to have this crazy hard career and still be in love with the science and enjoy it,” Kelsey said. He was a major influence in her decision to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a PI. “I knew from this experience that I wanted to have a lab like [his] one day and be the person who lifts others to their next phase of study, life, and career.”

To finish her training, Kelsey picked up and moved to Nashville, TN, for a postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Working under Jeff Rathmell, Ph.D., she studied how targeting iron metabolism in T cells can change their behavior in autoimmune diseases like lupus. Kelsey herself struggles with autoimmune disease as well as some of her friends, so the work had personal meaning.

Calling the shots

During her fellowship, Kelsey applied for Breakthrough T1D’s Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship Award—and got it—to translate her research in lupus to type 1 diabetes (T1D).

“This is what I really appreciate about [Breakthrough T1D]…new people and new ideas may be riskier but also have the power to make a big impact,” she fondly recalls of Breakthrough T1D’s willingness to take a gamble on her career. And it certainly paid off: Kelsey went on to start her own lab at UVA.

In her new position, Kelsey is building on her postdoctoral work and using both mouse models and human samples to better understand how T cell metabolism is dysregulated in autoimmunity—“a puzzle that never ends.”

Kelsey finds her work rewarding in many ways: she loves being creative and solving problems. “…one of the best feelings in the world is being the first person to see an experimental result in real time. For those moments, you are the only person alive who knows that information,” she explained.

Kelsey’s dream job includes leading the next generation of scientists—including the young women who were told that they should pursue something else but followed their hearts instead.

“Let them know their voices are valued.”

As much of life goes, Kelsey’s personal experiences as a woman in science “had its ups and downs.” A major motivator was seeing other strong women in science flourishing. One such scientist, Polly Matzinger, Ph.D., unapologetically offered a new paradigm of immunology (the “danger theory”) that was in direct contrast to the currently accepted view. To Kelsey, she is an inspiration—someone who can stand up for what she believes in and fight for it.

For women, this is easier said than done. Even in friendly and casual environments, it can be difficult for women in STEM and other fields to speak up and offer their points of view.

“What stands out to me…as a woman in science is how a lot of young women need time to develop the confidence to voice their opinions. They tend to withhold their questions or comments at conferences, journal clubs, or class discussions more often compared to men,” Kelsey explained. “I would encourage the community to allow space for girls to speak up in group settings and let them know their voices are valued.”

“I think we should change the way we think about research, specifically, as more of a creative pursuit that fits well with imaginative personalities. The next step would be to normalize and destigmatize the idea of ‘failure’ when young women start to experiment in these fields.”

Kelsey Voss, Ph.D.

At Breakthrough T1D, our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications. As T1D doesn’t discriminate, we advocate for equitable healthcare for all whose lives are impacted by the disease, no matter who they are or where they live.

Fostering a community of culture and belonging is a priority. As such, during Black History Month, we recognize our Black friends, family, and colleagues who help advance our mission.

This month, we shine the spotlight on Cassandra Bazile, Ph.D., an accomplished scientist at Breakthrough T1D who champions community, mentorship, and inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

A budding scientist finds her garden

Cassandra’s journey to a career in science began at Morgan State University (MSU), a historically Black institution in Baltimore, Maryland. Thanks to the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program, she was introduced to the world of biomedical research from early in her academic career. While completing her studies, she found unforgettable support and mentorship in her professors at MSU, who offered Cassandra guidance on the many career possibilities within STEM.

“Their guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and professional journey, encouraging me to pursue research and further my education. Their support not only helped me navigate my own path but also inspired my dedication to mentoring and uplifting others from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM,” she explained.

On to bigger and better pastures

After completing her undergraduate degree and working as a research technician at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cassandra pursued her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. There, she studied B cells—immune cells that make antibodies and contribute to the development of several autoimmune diseases, including Lupus and T1D.

Cassandra’s increasing passion for understanding autoimmune disease combined with first-hand experience having an older cousin with T1D led her to pursue her current position at Breakthrough T1D. Now, she applies her unique scientific skillset to accelerate therapies that prevent, halt, or reverse T1D. She also finds fulfillment in engaging with the T1D community and deepening her appreciation of what it’s like to live with the disease.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role…is interacting with the community and sharing updates on exciting research […]. These conversations…not only allow me to inform and inspire others but also offer critical insights into the unmet needs of those living with T1D,” Cassandra explained.

The garden is growing, but there are still some weeds

As a Black woman in a largely white, male-dominated field, Cassandra’s secret to success is finding a strong community and assembling a mentorship network. Since the moment Cassandra knew she wanted to be a scientist, she’s learned a lot—the ability to advocate for herself is paramount, as is helping others navigate their own paths. Building these supportive connections within her community and becoming a mentor herself has been instrumental in driving her career forward.

While the scientific community has made progress in increasing representation of members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community, more work needs to be done. Culminating from her experiences, Cassandra suggests greater access to opportunities and mentorship in addition to fostering inclusive work environments.

“Addressing bias, building support networks, and advocating for systemic change within institutions can create a more welcoming space and cultivate an environment that encourages growth and innovation.”

– Cassandra Bazile, Ph.D.

At Breakthrough T1D, thanks to excellent scientists like Cassandra, every day we drive toward cures for T1D and make life with the disease better for the people who face it. This can only be achieved with a true diversity of thought, which happens when the best and brightest minds, from all backgrounds, come together.

The leadership, staff, and volunteers of Breakthrough T1D mourn the tragic, sudden loss of five type 1 diabetes (T1D) champions on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. 

That night, five people who were pillars of the Breakthrough T1D Ride community died in a tragic, single-car accident.

The group included two married couples and one single individual—all very close friends and veteran Breakthrough T1D Ride participants.

All five people were inside the vehicle at the time of the accident—no one was riding a bicycle at the time.

The greatest group of people you wish you didn’t need to know

Understandably, the tragedy sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Ride community, as well as the entire Breakthrough T1D organization.

Chris Eaton, a lead volunteer partner of Breakthrough T1D Ride and the Ride Advisory Council, knew all five people well. 

“It’s said, ‘Ride is the greatest group of people you wish you didn’t need to know.’ Our friends embodied that feeling of inclusion, hope, and a steadfast focus on getting to a cure,” said Chris. “They will be sorely missed by their family, friends, and the Ride community.”   

Jeff and Michelle Bauer

Jeff and Michelle Bauer were highly involved in Breakthrough T1D Ride—especially Michelle.

“The Breakthrough T1D Ride program is a family, and Michelle exemplified this day in and day out,” said Anthony Geraci, National Director, Ride & Endurance.”  

Michelle had been a dedicated T1D advocate since her son, Jesse Alswager, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 at the age of 3. Tragically and unexpectedly, Jesse passed away at the age of 13 on February 3, 2010. 

After Jesse passed away, Michelle continued to advocate, educate, and push the envelope in his name. In honor of Jesse, the date he died—and generally all people who have passed away from T1D—Mile 23 of each Breakthrough T1D Ride is ridden in silence. 

“Whether it was riding thousands of miles in memory of her late son Jesse, authoring a book to help grieving families, bringing her husband Jeff Bauer into the Ride family, to joining the Ride Advisory Council, Michelle was all in,” added Anthony. 

In her spare time, Michelle had numerous other T1D-focused projects, including “Jesse Was Here,” which encompassed her work with other families around the world who had lost loved ones to T1D. 

Jeff proposed to Michelle in 2018 at Mile 23 of a Breakthrough T1D Ride.

The couple had a lake house in Crandon, Wisconsin, and spent a lot of time there. They were avid boaters.

Jeff and Michelle are survived by their blended family of five children—Alexander Bauer, Claudia Bauer, Samantha Alswager, Joseph Alswager and Sara Alswager—all of whom are now adults. 

Learn more about Jeff and Michelle and how to honor their lives.

“When I mentioned to Michelle off the cuff that I was thinking about completing my first Ironman, she was the first to offer up being my coach and cheerleader. The last text message I got from Michelle was on Wednesday of last week simply saying ‘Did you do it yet??’ That’s how I’ll remember Michelle. Always pushing people to be their best. Always pushing herself to be her best.”  

Anthony Geraci
National Director, Breakthrough T1D Ride and Endurance

Josh and Tammy Stahl

Josh and Tammy Stahl became close friends with the Bauers through the Ride program. They rode together most recently in La Crosse last August.

Josh started riding in 2011 for his and Tammy’s son, Gavin (now 17 years old) who lives with T1D. Josh had competed in 13 rides including, Lake Tahoe, La Crosse, and Death Valley. 

“I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to Josh and Tammy at rides for over a decade,” said Dan Woolf, Executive Director of Breakthrough T1D’s Wisconsin Chapter who has long been involved with Ride. “Most recently in La Crosse, where we traded stories of our spirit jerseys, kids, and what makes the Ride program special, which are the friends you make along the way.”

Josh and Tammy are survived by their sons Gavin Stahl and Blake Stahl.

Learn more about Josh and Tammy and how to honor their lives.

“The Stahls were the perfect example of that incredible spirit.They became close friends with so many people from all over the country while making such a difference for our Ride community, which is truly inspiring to me. It’s something that I’ll never forget and a testament to what wonderful people they were.”

Dan Woolf
Executive Director, Breakthrough T1D Wisconsin Chapter

Barry Sievers

Barry’s first Ride was 10 years ago. He had completed five rides including La Crosse, Nashville, and Loveland.

While he had no direct T1D connection, he was always willing to help with a smile. He hosted training rides at his house and even helped transport bikes with his trailer.  

“Barry’s infectious smile and boundless energy embodied our Team Wisconsin spirit,” wrote Joe Brady and Scott Hagen in a statement they issued together. 

Joe lives with T1D and is a veteran Ride coach. Scott is Barry’s best friend who recruited him for his first ride a decade ago.

Barry was the Senior Financial Manager for the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

Barry is survived by his adult son, David T. Sievers, and two school-age daughters, Emma Sievers and Addison Sievers.

Learn more about Barry and how to honor his life. 

“Whether opening his home for summer training rides, spinning tales on the team bus to Nashville, or cheering on the last rider at the Loveland finish line, Barry brought joy and camaraderie to every moment. Always ready with a solution to any bike issue, his ‘can do’ attitude inspired us all to push harder, fundraise better, and pedal faster toward our goals. Barry’s good-natured warmth and easy laughter will forever be cherished and missed.”

Statement from Joe Brady and Scott Hagen

Against many headwinds

“Greg Lemond, winner of the Tour de France, once said about cycling: ‘It doesn’t get easier, you just go faster,’” said Chris Eaton. 

“Against many headwinds, this group of friends led a community that embodies the imperative that we can, and will, cure type 1 diabetes despite the challenges. They will be missed.”

Sydney Yovic, Breakthrough T1D Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff, dedicated the last 12 years to powering progress and advancing Breakthrough T1D’s mission. Having started as a project manager in the Research department, Sydney has led with inspiring passion and perseverance. Her legacy of meaningful and impactful contributions can be felt around the world.

Thankfully for Breakthrough T1D and the global T1D community, Sydney will continue driving us toward cures as the Chief Executive Officer of JDRF Australia, beginning in August. Before returning to her roots “down under,”  Sydney shares what fuels her passion for our mission, the breakthroughs she’s most proud of, and what she looks forward to in her new role. We wish Sydney much success and we look forward to her continued leadership as Breakthrough T1D leads the way to more effective solutions and cures for the global T1D community.

What drives your passion for Breakthrough T1D’s mission?

I’m driven by my love for my Uncle Jimmy, who was diagnosed with T1D when he was 30. He was a very important part of my young life, but he died from T1D complications at age 35. Losing him was devastating for my whole family. In the last 12 years, my passion has grown because of the thousands of amazing families I have grown to know and love who are impacted by T1D.

What stands out when you think about your career path from a Research project manager to Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff?

I have had the incredible experience of working on many high impact projects over the years with inspiring colleagues and leaders. Thinking back, a few that stand out include:

• In my first role at Breakthrough T1D (then JDRF), I optimized the Research department operating system and data infrastructure, which enabled the department to be nimbler in how we deploy dollars, analyze our portfolio and allowed us to be transparent to our community about where their dollars are going.
• Implementing Breakthrough T1D’s clinical trials connection tool is one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of. Clinical trial participation is one of the single most important things our community can do to accelerate advancements for T1D therapies, including cures. The opportunity to provide our community with a tool that makes participation easier was a true honor.
• Working in the Mission department with Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, gave me a chance to step out of the research world and learn more about the diabetes ecosystem. In that role, we formalized partnerships with our peer organizations, including Beyond Type 1, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES), Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), and The Diabetes Link. I truly believe we’re stronger together.
• Leading our Global Access Team, launching the T1D Index, and partnering with the Helmsley Charitable Trust on enabling access to basic T1D care for the poorest people on the planet was a career highlight and truly life changing. To have a glimpse at the burden of T1D globally was eye opening, and to be able to have just a small part in supporting this work was memorable and meaningful.
• Breakthrough T1D’s most critical asset is our people. As Chief of Staff, the opportunity to support our CEO and Executive Team in leading this great organization has been a privilege.
• Partnering with Aaron Kowalski on developing our future strategic focus was enlightening and unbelievably inspiring. Our role is clear and if we can rally our organization and community around this focus, I truly believe we will accelerate cures for T1D. To have a hand in leading that work was an honor.

What about your Breakthrough T1D experience was most rewarding?

I am passionate about our mission, I have always been intellectually curious, and intrinsically motivated by the need for constant improvement, so I have cherished every opportunity I’ve had to contribute to Breakthrough T1D moving faster toward cures. Traveling to Africa to see how our support is saving lives for the least fortunate people with T1D on the planet was one of my most rewarding experiences. And the people—from the staff who dedicate themselves day in and day out to advancing our mission, to our incredible Board of Directors, to the army of volunteers who will stop at nothing to support us, and our partner organizations and companies who work alongside us to cure T1D. I have had the good fortune of working alongside people who inspire me and have made me better over the years.

What does the future of Breakthrough T1D look like to you?

The future of Breakthrough T1D has never looked brighter. The science is promising, companies are committing billions of dollars on cures for T1D, and Breakthrough T1D is more focused than ever on putting the puzzle pieces together to advance our mission and cure this disease.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role as CEO of JDRF Australia?

I am most looking forward to working with the incredible team down in Australia to drive our collective mission forward. JDRF Australia has been a shining example of accelerating breakthroughs and impact for our community, led by the brilliant Mike Wilson. I look forward to building on the great organization JDRF Australia is today, and using my experience, relationships, and talents to create a velocity of impact for the T1D community both in Australia and around the globe.

JDRF Australia will become Breakthrough T1D Australia later this year.

L-R: Matt Varey, Martin Thibodeau, Royal Bank of Canada Regional President, British Columbia, and Dave Prowten, former Breakthrough T1D Canada President and CEO

Matt Varey, the newly elected Vice Chair of the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors (IBOD), brings a global voice as the first Canadian and the first person outside of the U.S. to serve in the role.

Matt, a senior executive at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), began volunteering with Breakthrough T1D Canada in 2001. Since then, he has served on Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors and as Chair of the Board of Breakthrough T1D Canada.

He resides with his wife, Dr. Andrea Jack, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Breakthrough T1D sat down with Matt to learn more about his volunteer journey and unique global perspective.

What led you to start volunteering for Breakthrough T1D?

In 2001, I returned to Canada from professional commitments abroad and witnessed colleagues and personal friends whose lives were affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D). I couldn’t just stand by and watch; I had to do anything I could to support them—not just on a personal level but also in a broader capacity. At that time, RBC started a coast-to-coast initiative with Breakthrough T1D Canada, and I recognized I had new ways to make a difference. That started this purposeful journey I have been on with Breakthrough T1D.

What are some of the roles have you had within the organization?

My first involvement with Breakthrough T1D was as a rider in the 2001 Breakthrough T1D Toronto Ride for a Cure. That led to my joining the Toronto Ride cabinet with other business leaders and, later, my becoming Chair of the Breakthrough T1D Ride.

In 2008, I was appointed a Board Member of Breakthrough T1D Canada. From 2014 to 2016, I served as the Chair of Breakthrough T1D Canada. To this date, I remain on the Board of Breakthrough T1D Canada, having taken on different mandates, including Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee.

Since 2016, I have been a Board member of Breakthrough T1D International, serving in various capacities, including member of the Breakthrough T1D International Finance Committee and Chair of the Breakthrough T1D International Audit and Risk Committee.

Do any of your experiences at Breakthrough T1D Canada stand out?

Every moment supporting this meaningful mission is special, and one of the highlights was my role as Chair of Breakthrough T1D Canada from 2014 to 2016. I was directly involved in the purposeful journey of making a difference for over 350,000 Canadians living with T1D, stewarding this cause for Breakthrough T1D Canada as a Canadian. In 2017, in conjunction with the CHIR (Canadian Health Institute Research) and our incredible team under the leadership of former President and CEO of Breakthrough T1D Canada Dave Prowten, we secured a 30-million grant from the Government of Canada to support Breakthrough T1D research and scholastic advancements in Canada.

Do you feel you will offer a unique perspective to IBOD as a person who lives in Canada? 

Breakthrough T1D is a global organization on a journey of purpose. I’m excited and grateful to extend the reach of that journey. Canada is world-renowned for diabetes research and breakthroughs—the first genetically engineered human insulin was discovered and manufactured in Canada, after all! It is the responsibility of all Canadians to carry that flame of innovation and discovery, so I feel even more of an obligation as a Canadian on the Breakthrough T1D IBOD to carry that baton forward.

Why are volunteers so essential to our mission?

Grassroots volunteering is empowering and essential to the success of all nonprofit organizations. Breakthrough T1D volunteers keep us close to the cause and the people impacted by the disease—their care, passion, and dedication will help spread our purpose across the globe.

What does the future of T1D look like to you?

We have seen so much progress in recent years, and it will continue at an even faster pace. Cell therapies are an exciting focus area for Breakthrough T1D. I’m eager to see where that research takes us, particularly eliminating the need for immunosuppressant drugs.

Clinical trials show the possibilities for disease-modifying therapies to preserve beta cell function in people newly diagnosed with T1D. Today, we can delay the onset of T1D, and I’m confident tomorrow, we’ll be able to stop it! Scientists are finding ways to make insulin work smarter and work in conjunction with other drugs for better and safer disease management. There are so many ways Breakthrough T1D is improving the lives of people with T1D—treatments and therapies will continue to advance until we reach our ultimate goal: cures.

What does the future of Breakthrough T1D look like to you?

We are purposefully seeking opportunities for Breakthrough T1D to achieve more breakthrough research and facilitate diabetes education and knowledge globally. As an organization with a global reach, it is our responsibility to enable more access to research, education, and awareness in every corner of the world to help everyone understand the disease, navigate it, and support those impacted by it.

L-R: Neil, Perry, Sydney, Harris, and Lisa Wallack

Lisa F. Wallack is the newly elected Chair of the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors (IBOD). Her appointment holds distinction: she is the first Chair to have a parent previously serve in the role.

Lisa’s involvement with Breakthrough T1D started in the early 1970s after her younger brother, Scott, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 1969 at the age of 18 months. Lisa’s parents, Marilyn and Gerald Fishbone, were among the founders of Breakthrough T1D (then known as “JDF”) in the early 1970s, and her late father served as IBOD Chair from 1983 to 1986. Her passion for T1D advocacy was amplified when her son, Harris, was diagnosed in 2001 at the age of 5.

Lisa is a force at Breakthrough T1D, having served in nearly every volunteer leadership role locally, nationally, and internationally. She was President of the Greater New England Chapter and has been a member of Breakthrough T1D’s IBOD for nine years, helping with governance, strategy, and fundraising. Her leadership efforts were recognized in 2019 with the Jim Tyree Chairman’s Award, and Lisa and her husband, Neil, are being honored at the Breakthrough T1D Greater New England Chapter 2024 Gala for their unwavering dedication to the T1D community.

Breakthrough T1D sat down with Lisa to discuss carrying on her family’s legacy of volunteerism and her hopes for the organization’s future.

Your appointment as the new Breakthrough T1D IBOD Chair must feel like a full-circle moment since your father served in the role more than 30 years ago. How did your parents inspire you to be a leader, and what do you hope to carry on from them?

I grew up watching my parents devote countless hours to building this organization to engage other people impacted by T1D, build a community to support one another, and inspire and enable them to work together to raise awareness and funds to invest in cures.

My mom, who founded Breakthrough T1D’s New Haven Chapter and remains an active champion today, has modeled for me how to be an authentic and successful fundraiser driven by our passion to cure our loved ones and the millions of others whose lives have been impacted by T1D. 

People say my father always made everyone feel like the most important person in the room. He has inspired me to be a strong but humble leader, to listen to others, and to work to bring out the best in them. 

You have extensive experience working with many non-profit boards. What unique perspectives do you hope to bring to the IBOD as a female leader?

Women bring to the table a willingness to listen and collaborate without letting their egos drive the agenda. I want to engage the diverse perspectives of our T1D community and work together to leverage our experiences, insights, and networks to grow Breakthrough T1D’s reach and impact. 

What opportunities lie ahead for Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community?

I see Breakthrough T1D being more reflective of the diverse community of those impacted with T1D, engaging people of all ages and stages of life with T1D from different communities around the U.S. and worldwide.

Ninety percent of those living with T1D are adults. We need to show the adult T1D community that we are relevant to them, to demonstrate the role that Breakthrough T1D has played in improving their lives, and to engage them in our quest to conquer the disease for good. We also need to look beyond the United States to strategically engage donors and governments to invest resources in Breakthrough T1D and our mission to accelerate our progress.

You have served in nearly every volunteer role possible at Breakthrough T1D. Do any roles stand out to you?

Lisa and her husband Neil, who together have raised over $1.4 million for T1D research

I really enjoy the work I have done at our local Breakthrough T1D chapter, reaching out to newly diagnosed families and introducing them to the Breakthrough T1D community and the progress that we are making.

I’m a passionate fundraiser, asking everyone we know to support Breakthrough T1D each year. My husband Neil’s participation in marathons, Breakthrough T1D Rides, and Ironman competitions inspired many others to support our cause. To date, we have raised over $1.4 million from our efforts!

I enjoyed my many roles on the Breakthrough T1D IBOD, from ensuring our governance structure is as effective and efficient as possible to working with our extraordinary professional leadership team to develop and implement the most impactful strategy to accelerate our mission.

How do you hope to inspire the Breakthrough T1D volunteer community in your new role?

Volunteers are the key to Breakthrough T1D’s success. We are the army that raises the funds needed to achieve our mission goals. We are a community that supports one another, sharing learnings and experiences to help others cope and engage them in our shared fight. 

Learning from my parents, I have always valued volunteerism as a way to have an impact and to find fulfillment. Leaning in as a volunteer at Breakthrough T1D has given me a sense of empowerment and the strength, resilience, and hope to know that together we can conquer T1D. Being part of this amazing community and this impactful organization is deeply meaningful and inspiring.

Being involved with Breakthrough T1D for nearly 50 years gives you a unique perspective. How does living with T1D differ from the past to the present? What do you think it will look like in the future?

Lisa and her brother Scott, who has lived with T1D for over 50 years

Breakthrough T1D’s strategic leadership has led to the many advances that have made it safer and easier to live with T1D. When my brother was diagnosed in 1969, there was only urine testing and syringes and no blood sugar testing or insulin pump technology. Today, we have CGMs and closed-loop insulin delivery systems that have reduced the burden of living with T1D for Scott and Harris, as well as for Neil and me as caregivers. 

I look forward to the day that Scott, Harris, and everyone with T1D will not need to depend on technology to live. I feel that day is getting ever closer as we drive the development of new disease-modifying and cell therapies that will enable us to prevent and cure T1D.

Lisa Fishbone Wallack, an attorney by training and long-time volunteer leader in the greater New England area, will serve as Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors (IBOD) Chair, succeeding current Chair Grant Beard. Matt Varey, a senior executive at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and dedicated volunteer leader in the greater Toronto, Canada, area, will serve as Breakthrough T1D IBOD Vice Chair, succeeding current Vice Chair Michelle Griffin.   

Lisa’s and Matt’s terms as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, begin Monday, July 1, 2024. 

Lisa Fishbone Wallack Continues Family’s Legacy of Championing Breakthrough T1D’s Mission 

Lisa is a long-time volunteer leader of Breakthrough T1D’s Greater New England Chapter, first getting involved with Breakthrough T1D when her parents Marilyn and Dr. Gerald Fishbone were among the founders of Breakthrough T1D (then known as “JDF”) after her brother Scott was diagnosed with T1D in 1969 at the age of 18 months, and then increasing her involvement after her son Harris was diagnosed in 2001 at the age of 5.   

 Locally, Lisa has served as President of the Greater New England Chapter Board and remains active with the chapter. Nationally, she has been a member of the IBOD for nine years and has served as Vice Chair of the IBOD, as Chair of the Talent and Compensation Committee, and as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee.     

Lisa is an attorney by training and is a volunteer leader at numerous other community organizations, leading annual, capital, and comprehensive campaigns and strategic committees.    

Lisa and her husband Neil are proud to be leadership donors to Breakthrough T1D as well as donors to Breakthrough T1D’s T1D Fund. She and her family participate in all Breakthrough T1D programs, including the Walk and Gala, and she supports Neil’s participation in endurance events including the Boston Marathon, the Breakthrough T1D Ride program, and Ironman Triathlons, which collectively have raised more than $1.4 million for Breakthrough T1D.  

For their outstanding and continued support of Breakthrough T1D, Lisa and Neil will be honored at the Greater New England Chapter’s Gala on Saturday, April 6.  

Lisa graduated with a B.A. in The Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania and with a J.D., summa cum laude, from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. In addition to their son Harris, Lisa and Neil have a son Perry and a daughter Sydney. They live in Weston, Massachusetts.  

Matt Varey Leads and Engages Breakthrough T1D’s T1D Community   

Matt Varey is currently a senior executive at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)—the largest financial institution in Canada and one of the largest and most trusted in the world.   

As Senior Vice President, Matt is responsible for national leadership of more than 4,500 Canada-based employees entrusted with important client life events including personal investments, mortgage financing and group benefits, totaling more than $100 billion of human trust annually. Prior to joining RBC in 1987 and taking on a wide range of senior management and executive positions within RBC, Matt was Vice President and General Manager of RBC Suisse, RBC’s Global Private Banking operations in Geneva, Switzerland.    

 Matt is an ardent supporter of Breakthrough T1D’s commitment to improving the lives of every person living with T1D and driving breakthroughs to cure the condition. His association and commitment to Breakthrough T1D started in 2001 and he currently serves on the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors and Breakthrough T1D Canada Board of Directors. His diverse international leadership experience will be instrumental in continuing Breakthrough T1D’s purposeful global mission and navigating the organization’s path forward in partnership with his Breakthrough T1D Board of Directors colleagues.  

 His previous Board responsibilities included Chair of the Board of Breakthrough T1D Canada and Board member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada.   

Matt graduated from McMaster University and currently resides in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, with his wife, Dr. Andrea Jack.   

An Era of Unprecedented Breakthroughs 

This new leadership coincides with an era of unprecedented T1D breakthroughs championed by Breakthrough T1D.  

“We are in a golden age of advanced medicine and continue to see incredible progress in T1D cures research—in both disease-modifying therapies and cell therapies,” said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D Chief Executive Officer. “As the leaders of our International Board of Directors, Lisa and Matt will ensure we will continue to drive cures and other life-changing breakthroughs forward through scientific advancements and advocacy.”   

“We thank Grant and Michelle, who amplified our global efforts to improve lives and accelerate cures. There has never been a more exciting time for our mission as cures are now a matter of when, not a matter of if,” Kowalski said. “The potential for transformation is nothing short of electrifying and we look forward to the progress to come during Lisa’s and Matt’s tenure.”    

About the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors (IBOD)  

IBOD is the governing body for Breakthrough T1D and is tasked with accelerating the organization’s mission progress toward life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. Learn more about Breakthrough T1D’s volunteer and staff leadership.