Annual award recognizes outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer leadership
Washington, D.C. and New York, Feb. 27, 2026—Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Larry Soler as the recipient of the 2025 John Brady Award for Innovation for his impactful contributions to the advocacy program and commitment to Breakthrough T1D’s mission.
The John Brady Award for Innovation recognizes an outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer who has exhibited leadership in driving innovation and pioneering projects or ideas with the potential to meaningfully impact the T1D community. The award is named after John Brady, a longtime Breakthrough T1D volunteer and former member and chair of the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors.
Larry was diagnosed with T1D at 22 years old, and he has since devoted his time and talents to rallying around the cause. Larry currently serves as a member of the Directors Emeritus. He is an active volunteer within his local chapter and has participated in century bike rides with the Ride program for over eight years.
Larry has been a constant within Breakthrough T1D since 1998, when he joined the advocacy team, leading major organizational policy initiatives that resulted in passage of legislation that has provided more than $2 billion in supplemental federal funding for T1D research and Native American treatment programs since it was established. In 2001, he went on to organize and chair a national patient campaign that successfully paved the way for regenerative medicine that has now resulted in the mass production of insulin-producing cells that have been transplanted into patients. Notably, Larry partnered with Breakthrough T1D CEO, Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., to spearhead the Artificial Pancreas Project, working together to create a regulatory, reimbursement, and business atmosphere that resulted in the industry’s pursuit of game-changing closed loop devices that are now on the market. Larry joined the International Board of Directors (IBOD) in 2012, where he sat on the Executive Committee and chaired the Nominating and Governance, Audit, and CEO Search committees throughout his six-year tenure. He also chaired a special governance reform committee that reduced the IBOD size by 50% to match best practices in the nongovernmental organization community. In 2020, Larry and his family were honored with the Rapaport Lifetime Service Award at the Mid Atlantic Chapter Gala. This award recognizes individuals or families who support and serve the T1D community over many years and who make a true impact for all those living with T1D.
“Breakthrough T1D is incredibly proud to honor Larry Soler and recognize the transformational impact he has had on our organization, our mission, and the entire type 1 diabetes community,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “Larry’s leadership has been integral in driving bold and critical breakthroughs, such as the Artificial Pancreas Project and the Special Diabetes Program, that continue to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people living with type 1 diabetes. His ability to bring people together and build support around a common vision has advanced Breakthrough T1D’s strategic priorities, established strong board governance, and inspired countless individuals within the type 1 diabetes community to engage in our advocacy efforts. We thank Larry for his determination and steadfast pursuit of cures for type 1 diabetes.”
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.
