Salem, VA and New York, November 3, 2022— Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Sally Southard as the recipient of the Erwin Lurie Award for her noteworthy contributions as a volunteer leader. Named for Erwin Lurie, who helped found Breakthrough T1D in 1970 with his wife Carol, the Erwin Lurie Award is annually presented to a chapter volunteer whose commitment to the volunteer/staff partnership has significantly advanced the mission and strategic priorities of Breakthrough T1D over the past year.
“Sally is an all-around T1D champion, from welcoming new members into the community to sharing her knowledge and raising funds to accelerate life-changing research,” said Jaclyn Toll, executive director of the Breakthrough T1D Mid Atlantic Chapter. “We thank Sally for her longstanding commitment to our mission and congratulate her on this well-deserved award.”
For more than 40 years, Sally has exemplified an unwavering commitment to Breakthrough T1D and the local chapters in the greater Virginia area. She has worn many hats as a former Breakthrough T1D T1D Voices Council member, Breakthrough T1D Greater Blue Ridge Chapter president and board member, walk chair, gala chair, and honoree. In 2020, Sally leaned in to provide volunteer leadership as regional chapters in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. consolidated to create the Breakthrough T1D Mid-Atlantic Chapter.
Sally has been living with T1D for more than 57 years. Sally currently serves on the Breakthrough T1D Mid-Atlantic Chapter Community Board of Directors, executive council, and serves as the president of the Virginia Mission Board. She provides a unique outlook that often helps her connect with new and old community members.
“It is an honor to present this award to long-time Breakthrough T1D volunteer leader Sally Southard,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “Sally has selflessly dedicated time and passion to elevating the Breakthrough T1D mission, and we are grateful for her continued support.”
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 are recognized at the annual Breakthrough T1D One Conference in Washington, D.C.
About Breakthrough T1D
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to long-term complications which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart; and even death if left untreated. It is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and early puberty, but diagnosis in adulthood is on the rise, and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset is sudden and nothing can be done to prevent it yet—it is not related to 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.
