Exciting news! The Southern California Chapter is now becoming the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Orange County, and San Diego and Hawai’i Chapters. To learn about events in other Chapters in Southern California and Hawai’i, visit the Greater Orange County Chapter or the San Diego and Hawai’i Chapter websites.
Breakthrough T1D Walk

The Breakthrough T1D Walk 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 at one of our Greater Los Angeles Walks—choose your location and register today!
- Los Angeles Walk, March 21st, 2026 at Pasadena Rose Bowl
- Register here. For any questions, contact Sue Pietrzak.
- Santa Barbara Walk, September, 2026, TBD
- For any questions, contact Judy Parra.
Encourage your friends and family to join your team for this fun, impactful event. Together, we are a force for change. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and support. We can’t wait to walk with you!
Gala
Save the Date!
Save the date to join us on October 10, 2026 at the Skirball Cultural Center for an unforgettable evening filled with purpose, celebration, and raising funds for T1D research.
Until then, we’re assembling a group of amazing individuals to serve on our Gala Committee and help plan next year’s event. If you love making a difference, have a strong network, and enjoy planning unforgettable events, we’d love to have you!
For more information contact Tarah Kennedy.
Breakthrough T1D Endurance
Ride
Join us for the Breakthrough T1D Ride, where every pedal stroke powers research, advocacy, and support to improve lives until we find a cure. This inspiring, high-energy event welcomes cyclists of all skill levels to raise T1D awareness and accelerate our journey to a world without T1D. We are excited to announce the 2026 Ride destinations!
La Crosse, WI: August 13-16, 2026
The Cascades, WA: August 27-30, 2026
Cape Cod, MA: September 24-27, 2026
Austin, TX: October 27-November 1, 2026
Amelia Island, FL: December 3-6, 2026
MY RIDE: Your Ride, Your Way, Your Day
Where will you ride? Register today!
For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Endurance opportunities, contact Judy Parra.
Breakthrough T1D Community Engagement
Breakthrough T1D Community Summits are an educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). They 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.
As we look ahead to the New Year, we’re forming Community Engagement Committees across several regions. If you’re passionate about bringing people together, supporting event planning, or helping strengthen our healthcare partnerships, we’d be thrilled to have you involved!
Interested? Please contact Marcela Pallete.
Join Us for our next Community Summit!
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- Santa Barbara, Sunday, May 3, at the University of California, Santa Barbara | Register Here
- Pasadena, Sunday, November 15, at the Pasadena Convention Center | Registration information coming soon
Upcoming Chapter Events
In-Person Event
- Young Kids Park Meet Up – Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 a.m. at Castle Peak Park (24220 Clarington Dr, West Hills). Join us for a volunteer led, casual park meet-up where families and kids living with Type 1 Diabetes can connect, play, and build community. RSVP Here.
Virtual Events
- Virtual Community Summit – Breakthrough T1D’s Community Summits offer virtual educational sessions four times a year, to help you and your loved ones live well with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Register here.
- E-Meet & Greets: Monthly Zoom Meetups – Rotating Wednesdays, 12pm.
- Reunión Virtual Para Adultos y Familias con Diabetes Tipo 1 en Español – Aprende más aquí.
- T1D Teen Connect Monthly Meetup – Third Wednesdays, 5-6pm. Register here.
- Ask the Therapist Monthly – Fourth Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm. Register here.
- Newly Diagnosed Ask the Endocrinologist – Third Wednesdays, 8-9am. Register here.
- T1D Dads Barbershop Talk – Every 3 months on the 2nd Friday of the month, 12-1pm. Register here.
- T1D Partner Support Group – Last Tuesday, every 3 months, 6-7pm. Register here.


