Annual award recognizes outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer leadership
Shaker Heights, Ohio and New York, Feb. 27, 2026—Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Pete Cerar as the recipient of the 2025 Carol and Erwin Lurie Award for his dedicated service and extensive and influential leadership within his chapter and across Breakthrough T1D programs.
Named after Carol and Erwin Lurie, who helped found Breakthrough T1D in 1970, the Carol and Erwin Lurie Award is presented to a chapter volunteer whose commitment to the volunteer and staff partnership has significantly advanced the mission and strategic priorities of Breakthrough T1D over the past fiscal year.
Pete became involved with Breakthrough T1D in 2016 shortly after his son, Brice, was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 13. He currently serves as board president of the Northern Ohio Chapter and member of the Golf Committee, Ride Committee, Gala Committee, and the Ohio Territory Executive Leadership Team. Pete is an avid supporter of the Breakthrough T1D Ride program. Since 2019, Pete and his wife, Jackie, have completed five rides, and they pledge to ride until a cure is found. As a board president, Pete was instrumental in separating three combined boards to ensure each could focus more intimately on their unique communities and growth opportunities. He partnered closely with staff to guide the recruitment of new leaders, establish sustainable committee structures, and define each chapter’s strategic priorities. He continues to foster cross-chapter connections and encourages leaders to think locally and strategically. He is actively involved in his chapter’s events and is committed to growing event leadership and donor pipelines. At the 2025 Promise Ball Gala, Pete single-handedly recruited four of the eight “Moms on a Mission” honorees, securing influential community leaders who helped drive record engagement and donor participation.
“Breakthrough T1D is proud to recognize Pete Cerar with this well-deserved award and express our gratitude for his exemplary volunteer leadership and dedication to finding cures for type 1 diabetes,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “Pete’s strategic thinking and proactive approach have catalyzed structural transformation within his local chapter that positioned it for long-term success and served as a framework for the broader organization. His steady leadership and mentorship of chapter staff and volunteers, combined with his ability to galvanize people, have deepened engagement and support of our mission, driven fundraising efforts, and had a positive impact across the type 1 diabetes community.”
Breakthrough T1D recognizes and appreciates all of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who commit their lives to the worldwide effort to end T1D. Volunteer award recipients were recognized at the annual Breakthrough T1D One Conference in New Orleans.
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts 9.5 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
