Dr. Bithika Thompson
Keynote Speaker
Breakthrough T1D Community Summit: Phoenix
October 24, 2026, Phoenix, AZ
8:00 am – 1:30 pm (Mountain Time)
Free – registration required
About
The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit is an educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). This fall, the Breakthrough T1D Community Summit will bring our community together to learn from T1D experts, hear about the latest breakthroughs in T1D research, meet vendor exhibitors, connect with others impacted by T1D, and more.
Teen Track is back this year for 8th-12th grade students living with T1D! We look forward to having you join us!
Space is limited so register today!
Desert Willow Conference Center
4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Sessions
- “Breakthroughs in Type 1 Diabetes: Where We Are, Where We Are Going” – Dr. Bithika Thompson, Adult Endocrinologist and Breakthrough T1D Clinic Trials Education Volunteer
- This session will share updates on promising cell therapies, clinical trials, and early detection through antibody screening, breaking down what these advances mean for people living with type 1 diabetes today. Take a journey with us to understand how your active participation in clinical trials and screening can contribute to advancements in the field.
- “Beyond the Food Fight” – Dr. Joel Hahnke, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Corinne Ciuris, RD, CDCES
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- Learn smart nutritional approaches in type 1 diabetes management.
- “New and Emerging Technologies in T1D” – Hannah Pizzato, PhD Scientist, and Caitlin Adamowicz, Nurse Practitioner
- Explore what’s new and what’s next in T1D technology. Learn how these tools can support both medical outcomes and quality of life, whether you’re newly diagnosed or years in.
- “Pack Smart, Go Travel” – Rachel Calendo, Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner, Diabetes Program Manager and Nicholas Hahne, Inspirational Speaker
- Traveling with type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to be stressful. Learn how to manage insulin, plan for long flights, and handle surprises so you can focus on the journey—not your blood sugar.
- “Ready, Set, Move! Living Active with T1D” – Dr. Oliver Oatman, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Chris Ronzio, Founder & CEO of Trainual, and Peggy Schapler, Proud Mom of a Type 1 Diabetic
- A practical and interactive session filled with tips to help people with T1D feel prepared and confident for every kind of activity.
- “Real Life with T1D in Adults: Tips, Stories, and Support” – Dr. Robert Gonsalves, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Julie Garcia, President of the Breakthrough T1D Desert West Board of Directors
- Hear real-life stories, learn everyday management tips, and connect with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of living with T1D.
- “Resilience in Type 1 diabetes for Parents and Caregivers” – Dr. Synthia Puffenberger, Pediatric Psychologist
- This session will be focused on learning more about the role of resilience in type 1 diabetes. Focusing on learning what resilience is, its predictive power for diabetes control and how to increase it in your child.
- TEEN TRACK: “Let’s Talk T1D Teen” – Corinne Ciuris, RD, CDCES and Hana Karaman, T1D Community Champion
- If you’re a teen with T1D, this is for you! No Parents, No Judgement, No Guilt …join other teens for an open discussion about real-life teen topics related to life with T1D and hear from a panel of young adults and RD, Certified Diabetes Educator who’ve been where you are.
- TEEN TRACK: “T1D: Ready for What’s Next” – Hana Karaman, T1D Community Champion, and Nicholas Hahne, Inspirational Speaker
- A candid panel conversation about life with T1D during high school and the transition to college. Hear firsthand perspectives on independence, new routines, self-advocacy, and balancing T1D with everything that comes next.
- “Stronger Than the Challenge: Cheering through Adversity” – Nicholas Hahne, Inspirational Speaker
- Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 10 years old, I learned early in life that challenges don’t define us—how we respond to them does. From managing diabetes throughout childhood to cheering at the University of Notre Dame and building a career at JPMorgan, my journey has been shaped by preparation, resilience, and the decision to keep pushing forward, even when life is so unexpected.
- “Two Lives, One Journey” – Chris Ronzio, Founder & CEO of Trainual
- Chris has spent more than 30 years navigating two parallel journeys: his life and his life with type 1 diabetes. Through setbacks, new technology, endurance challenges, entrepreneurship, and ultimately helping fund the search for a cure, he shares what diabetes taught him about curiosity, possibility, resilience, and letting others in.
Caitlin Adamowicz
Rachel Calendo
Corinne Ciuris
Julie Garcia
Robert Gonsalves, DO
Nicholas Hahne
Joel Hahnke, MD
Hana Karaman
Dr. Oliver Oatman
Hannah Pizzato
Chris Ronzio
Synthia Sandoval Puffenberger
