A monthly guide to what’s happening in your Breakthrough T1D Community
Santa Barbara Community Summit, Featuring NASA Aerospace Engineer April Blackwell
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.
Join Us for our next Community Summit!
- Santa Barbara, Sunday, May 3, at the University of California, Santa Barbara | Register Here
This year, we are thrilled to welcome NASA aerospace engineer and T1D advocate April Blackwell to deliver the keynote address. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11, Blackwell defied expectations to pursue her dream of working in space and now helps operate the International Space Station from Mission Control. We look forward to having you join us for this unforgettable keynote and an inspiring day. - Pasadena, Sunday, November 15, at the Pasadena Convention Center | SAVE THE DATE! Registration information coming soon.
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.
Thank you for Supporting Breakthrough T1D Walk!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Breakthrough T1D Walk, Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21! The day was absolutely beautiful, with sunny skies and over 2,500 walkers coming together in support of the T1D community. The morning was filled with energy and excitement, from the Activity Zone and sweet treats from Handel’s Ice Cream, delicious Smash Burgers from LC Wagyu Smashed, and coffee from Arrvo Coffee. The Walk Village was buzzing with connection and celebration, featuring the Family Tent, diabetes vendors, and so much more.
A very big thank you to our top fundraising teams – Lauren’s Lollipops, Hoolie’s Heros, Griffin Gone Fishin for the Cure, Henry’s Home Run, and the Marks Family Marchers – and our top individual fundraisers – Lauren Berliner, Marc Sidoti, Lori Marks and Paris Auyeung. To date, we have raised an incredible $489,000 with our sights set on reaching our $700K goal! Fundraising pages will remain open until the end of June 2026, so there is still time to join us in powering breakthroughs for T1D cures! 💙
For any questions, contact Sue Pietrzak.
Save the Date! The Santa Barbara Walk, will take place again this fall on September, 2026.
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!
Help Us Transform Life with T1D
We are on a mission to power new breakthroughs in T1D research! Whether it’s spending a day walking with your community at Breakthrough T1D Walk, attending an unforgettable evening at our annual Gala, or pedaling through the miles at a high-energy, awe-inspiring Ride, your commitment drives research, advocacy, and support to improve lives as we advance toward cures.
Breakthrough T1D Ride, 2026 will take place at 5 exciting locations throughout the country, or you can ride from anywhere with MyRide. Many Ride Packages are still available, so no matter if you plan to ride 1 mile or 100, claim your spot today!
Where will you ride? Register today!
For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Endurance opportunities, contact Judy Parra.
Save the date to join us for The Breakthrough T1D, Los Angeles Gala, 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.
National Volunteer Week is April 19-25
During this week, we will be celebrating the remarkable dedication of our volunteers.
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is Partnering for Innovation. Our volunteers power our movement and make type 1 diabetes (T1D) innovations possible through tireless advocacy, fundraising, and community-building. This partnership is the heart of our organization—it fuels our mission and inspires us each and every day!
From board members and event committees to office volunteers, advocacy leaders, and Youth Ambassadors, we thank you for your contributions of time, talent, and passion. Together, we are changing life with T1D and making everyday life better for the people who face it.
Thank you!
Upcoming Chapter Events
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 – Last Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm. Register here.
- Virtual Parent Meet Up – First Thursday, 6pm-7pm. 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.