The Breakthrough T1D Nevada Chapter relies on the efforts of our amazing volunteers to make a difference in Southern Nevada for all those affected by type 1 diabetes (T1). At the recent annual meeting, a few special volunteers were rewarded for their extraordinary efforts.

The Reed and Shelli Gialketsis Volunteer of the Year is in recognition of the incredible work of former board member, Shelli Gialketsis. The award began in 2011 in recognition of Shelli’s incredible work supporting the Breakthrough T1D Nevada Chapter. Serving as the Outreach Chair, Shelli transformed the outreach program and spent countless hours as a volunteer both in the office and in the community helping to expand and improve the outreach programs for the chapter. This year, the Reed and Shelli Gialketsis Volunteer of the Year was presented to an invaluable member of our Breakthrough T1D family – Jan Farris.

Jan was awarded the Raising Cane’s Volunteer of the Month in June 2016, and has been an outstanding volunteer and fundraiser throughout the year. She began her involvement with Breakthrough T1D as a result of a dear friend whose daughter was diagnosed with type 1 nearly ten years ago. Over the past several years her involvement has gone from participating in the Walk, to working on the auction committee, then chairing the auction committee, to riding 100 miles in Loveland, Colorado this summer.

Thank you Jan for all your support for Breakthrough T1D!

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Stuart and Flora Mason, along with five other families, founded the Breakthrough T1D Nevada Chapter in 1970. In 1998, the chapter recognized Flora for her incredible support and commitment by creating the Flora Mason Volunteer of the Year Award which recognizes a current board member for his or her outstanding commitment to Breakthrough T1D. This year’s recipient of the Flora Mason Volunteer of the Year Award was Justin Micatrotto.

To quote Edgar Allen, the founder of the Easter Seals, “Your life and mine should be valued not by what we take… but by what we give.” This year’s recipient has given so much – time, resources, and talent – and has answered every calling this year. Although he has only been on the board a little over year, he has made a tremendous impact. First by involving his company, then by serving on the planning committee for the inaugural Cork & Soul event, and then by agreeing to be one of this year’s Gala honorees.

Thank you Justin for everything you do to support our chapter and our efforts to turn type one into type none!