Annual award recognizes outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer leadership
Oakville, Ontario, Canada and New York, Feb. 27, 2026—Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Matt Varey as the recipient of the 2025 Jim Tyree Award for his impactful leadership and unwavering commitment to raising funds for T1D research.
Named after Jim Tyree, former chair of the Breakthrough T1D International Board of Directors, the Jim Tyree Award recognizes a volunteer leader who has made a significant and noteworthy contribution to Breakthrough T1D during their tenure of service.
Matt’s involvement with Breakthrough T1D began in 2001 with his participation in the “battle of the banks” Ride. While he has no direct connection to T1D, he selflessly gives his time to advance Breakthrough T1D’s mission. Matt currently serves as the Vice Chair of Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors and is the first Canadian and first person from outside of the United States to hold this leadership role. He also actively serves as a member of the Breakthrough T1D Canada Board of Directors.
Matt is a former chair of Breakthrough T1D Canada. In 2025, Matt’s desire to inspire others to action and raise awareness and funds for T1D motivated his Coast-to-Coast for Cures Ride across Canada with the incredible support of his wife AJ and the remarkable Breakthrough T1D Canadian team. During this two-month-long cycling journey, he withstood many hardships – from terrain and temperatures to insects and natural disasters – which further illustrate his steadfast commitment to Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community. He has provided leadership and support for Breakthrough T1D’s Global Expansion project, which has helped the organization to purposefully advance this work. Breakthrough T1D has benefitted greatly from Matt’s 20-year partnership.
“Breakthrough T1D is honored to recognize Matt Varey with this award and celebrate his contributions in support of our mission,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “His perseverance in his training and cross-country ride for Breakthrough T1D are emblematic of his leadership and demonstrate his deep commitment to those who live with type 1 diabetes every day. Matt’s efforts have had a broad impact as he has worked tirelessly to ensure Breakthrough T1D is a truly global organization. We are incredibly grateful for his passion and dedication to raising awareness and accelerating the path to cures for type 1 diabetes.”
Breakthrough T1D recognizes and appreciates all of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who commit their lives to the worldwide effort to end T1D. Volunteer award recipients were recognized at the annual Breakthrough T1D One Conference in New Orleans.
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts 9.5 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
