February Breakthrough T1D Desert West Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Arizona

  • Tucson Happy Hour
    • February 17, 2026
    • 5 pm – 7 pm
    • Sonoran House Sam Hughes, 2513 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ
    • Come connect with others living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), learn more about Breakthrough T1D, and meet Tucson’s new Breakthrough T1D Development Manager, Gina! Kids are welcome to join.
    • More information & RSVP here.
  • Walk Talk Parent Meetup
    • February 18, 2026
    • 9 am – 10 am
    • Play and Stay, 9159 E Talking Stick Way Suite G-2, Scottsdale, AZ
    • Connect with parents who understand what you’re going through and learn more about our upcoming Breakthrough T1D Arizona Walk, taking place April 18th. Kids (ages 0-6) are welcome to join!
    • More information & RSVP here.
  • Type 1 Talk: Traveling with T1D
    • February 26, 2026
    • 6 pm – 8 pm
    • Breakthrough T1D Desert West Office, 4343 E Camelback Rd Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ
    • From airport security to time zones to surprise lows, we will share real stories, connect with others who get it, and swap practical travel tips and tricks.
    • More information & RSVP here.
  • T1D Adult Connection Pottery Painting
    • February 28, 2026
    • 4 pm – 6 pm
    • As You Wish at Desert Ridge, 21001 N Tatum Blvd, Suite 48-1530, Phoenix, AZ
    • Come enjoy two hours of studio paint time while connecting with other adults living with T1D.
    • More information & RSVP here.

New Mexico

  • Adult T1D Meetup
    • February 21, 2026
    • 5 pm
    • Sawmill Market, 1909 Bellamah Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM
    • Meet your local T1D community! This is a great way to share experiences, learn from one another, and build community.
    • More information & RSVP here.
  • Type 1 Family Support Connection
    • February 22, 2026
    • 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
    • Erna Fergusson Library Meeting Room, 3700 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM
    • Connect with families living with T1D and hear from special guest Melanie Duran, DNP, FNP, CDCES on staying active with diabetes.
    • More information & RSVP here.

Breakthrough T1D Community Summits

Breakthrough T1D Summit Desert West

The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit is a free educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). We are bringing together the T1D community to learn about the latest research advancements for T1D, connect with others impacted by T1D, enjoy refreshments, and meet with national diabetes partners at our vendor fair.

We have two Community Summits happening soon!

Breakthrough T1D Community Summit: Phoenix

March 11, 2026
6 pm – 8 pm
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Conference Center

We’re pleased to announce our keynote speaker is Deepta Bhattacharya, Ph.D.! Dr. Bhattacharya is the inaugural executive director of the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies and he will share about guiding curative treatments for T1D past the immune system.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Breakthrough T1D Community Summit: Tucson

April 22, 2026
6 pm – 8 pm
Tucson Medical Center, Marshall Conference Center

We’re pleased to announce our keynote speaker is Hannah Pizzato, Ph.D.! Dr. Pizzato is a principal scientist at the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies (CAMI) at the University of Arizona. She will share about overcoming barriers to beta cell replacement therapy for T1D.

Click here for more information and to register. 


Breakthrough T1D Walk

Breakthrough T1D Walk

Arizona

The Breakthrough T1D Walk, Arizona brings together thousands to support a brighter future for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It’s a chance for individuals, families, businesses, and communities to make a real impact. Join us April 18 at Sloan Park!

More information & register your team here.

If you’re an adult with T1D, there are two special opportunities for you and your supporters!

We can’t wait to walk with you!

New Mexico

The Breakthrough T1D Walk, New Mexico brought the incredible community together in 2025 and we are looking forward to another great walk in 2026.

While planning is underway, we can’t create the prefect day without you! We are building our New Mexico Walk Committee and would love for you to join us.

Click here for more information, FAQs, and to join.


Breakthrough T1D Ride

Breakthrough T1D Ride

Join us for the Breakthrough T1D Ride, the perfect place for riders of all skill levels! Ride is more than a cycling event. It is a community, a mission, and an opportunity to join the movement to cure type 1 diabetes (T1D).

2026 registration just opened!

  • La Crosse, WI: August 13-16, 2026
  • The Cascades, WA: August 27-30, 2026
  • Cape Cod, MA: September 24-27, 2026
  • Austin, TX: October 29-November 1, 2026
  • Amelia Island, FL: December 3-6, 2026
  • MY RIDE: Your Ride, Your Way, Your Day

Pick your journey here: Ride.BreakthroughT1D.org

For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Ride opportunities, contact Sara Nicastro.


Community Stories

Breakthrough T1D Desert West Community

Don’t miss these incredible community stories!

Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes is Possible and You Don’t Have to do it Alone

See T1D, See Brooke: Dancing, Leading, and Living Fully with Type 1 Diabetes

A Bag of Hope, A Fight for a Cure: Liana’s Story

Interested in sharing your story? Reach out to the Desert West Chapter at [email protected] or complete this form.