The National Volunteer of the Year Award is named after the late Erwin Lurie, who helped found Breakthrough T1D in 1970 with wife Carol and others after his son was diagnosed with T1D at age 10. Up until Mr. Lurie’s death in 2009, and Mrs. Lurie’s death in 2013, they were dedicated advocates whose vision guided Breakthrough T1D to becoming the largest charitable supporter of T1D research.

Annually Breakthrough T1D offers an opportunity to honor a chapter volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding efforts in support of the Breakthrough T1D mission. The volunteer nominees exhibit the core Breakthrough T1D values: passionate, innovative, collaborative, respectful, trustworthy, appreciative, and result oriented.

Board Member Pia Exber-Morris was recognized as one of 54 nominees nationwide for the Volunteer of the Year award.  Pia served tirelessly as board president during the 2015 and 2016 fiscal years.

Pia was recognized by Mike Hendren, national Chancellor on the Volunteer Engagement Committee, for her tremendous work. He particularly acknowledged her efforts in leading the top family Breakthrough T1D One Walk team as well as chairing the Hope Gala, all in honor of her daughter Jordan, diagnosed ten years ago at age 13. He added that “not only have [her] efforts added tremendously to the Nevada Chapter’s fundraising success, but [her] impact on so many others is truly inspiring.”

The Nevada Chapter adds our congratulations and appreciation for all of Pia’s extraordinary work to support our efforts for better treatments and a cure for diabetes for her daughter Jordan and everyone else who lives with type 1 diabetes.