Breakthrough T1D Central Ohio Gala 2026

In December 2019, our world changed forever when our son, Jackson, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What began as one of the hardest moments of our lives has become a journey of resilience, love, and unwavering hope. We quickly learned that while diabetes may be part of our story, it will never define it.

From those early, uncertain days in the hospital to where we stand today, our family has made a promise to create awareness, spread joy, and fight relentlessly for a cure. We will turn over every stone, leave nothing undone, and continue to stand strong for Jackson and every child living with type 1.

Out of this journey came my book, A Love Greater Than Diabetes, written from a mother’s heart to offer comfort and guidance to others walking this same path. This book is not only a reflection of our story, but also a gift back to the community that lifted us when we needed it most. Every single dollar earned goes directly toward helping newly diagnosed families, giving them hope, resources, and the reassurance that they are never alone.

We are deeply grateful and humbled to have been chosen as the Fund A Cure Family for Breakthrough T1D Central Ohio’s 2026 Starlight Gala. It is an incredible honor and responsibility – one we carry with love and purpose.

Together, we will keep shining light into the darkness, spreading awareness, and believing with everything in us, that one day, we’ll celebrate the moment a cure is found.

Heidi and I are honored to serve as the 2026 Starlight Gala chairs. Our twin daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth, developed type 1 diabetes at 12-months old, just three weeks apart. In the 12 years since their diagnoses, we have seen incredible progress in the fight against T1D. We celebrate the advances in research, technology, and access – most of which can be traced to Breakthrough T1D funding and advocacy – even as we continue to strive for the ultimate goal of a world without T1D.

Our family supports Breakthrough T1D because we believe it is the best way to make a meaningful impact with both our gifts and our service. All contributions make a difference for those living with type 1 diabetes and drive us toward a cure.

Join us at the Starlight Gala, where hope will shine bright and light the way to a future without type 1 diabetes.

Carrie is a dynamic and accomplished professional auctioneer, specializing in fundraising events for non-profits across the Finger Lakes Region of New York and beyond. With a passion for helping organizations exceed their fundraising goals, Carrie has built a reputation as a trusted and energetic auctioneer.

In 2023, she was honored with the title of NYS Auctioneer of the Year and won the 2024 International Auctioneer Reserve Champion. Carrie has helped Breakthrough T1D Raise over 3 million in 2025 alone! As an auctioneer in NY, Ohio and Michigan.

Carrie is dedicated to using her auctioneering skills to drive meaningful change within her community, believing strongly in the power of auctions to inspire generosity and impact. Her infectious energy, passion, and expertise ensure every event is a success, making her a go-to choice for fundraising endeavors across the country.

Angela is an eight-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and anchor of 10TV News at Four on WBNS. A National and two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow Award winner, she leads 10TV’s Boomtown series, exploring central Ohio’s growth, challenges, and opportunities. Since joining WBNS in 2000, she’s launched several popular community-focused projects, including CrimeTracker 10, The Gratitude Project, and 10TV’s NextDoor partnership.

A passionate community advocate, Angela has long supported Breakthrough T1D and proudly serves on our Central Ohio Sustaining Board. She’s also been recognized by Dress for Success Columbus and MADD of Central Ohio for her leadership and service.

Angela is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a master’s from George Washington University. Outside the newsroom, she’s a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, plays classical piano, loves to golf, and is proud to call central Ohio home