A monthly guide to what’s happening in your Breakthrough T1D Community
Join Us to Power Breakthroughs
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.
Registration is now open for Breakthrough T1D Walk, Santa Barbara! Register your team today to join us for an inspiring day of community and raising funds for breakthroughs in T1D research:
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Where: Leadbetter Beach Park
801 Shoreline Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93109
For any questions, contact Judy Parra.
Save the Date for Breakthrough T1D Walk, Los Angeles
When: Saturday, March 20, 2027
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena
To join the Walk Committee, please contact Sue Pietrzak.
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!
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.
Join Us for the Los Angeles Gala
The Breakthrough T1D Los Angeles Gala: Cures on the Horizon will take place on October 10, 2026 in the stunning Herscher Hall at the Skirball Cultural Center. Join event chairs Laura Mecoy and Cary Walker, emcee Frank Buckley, and Spotlight Award honoree, *NSYNC star and T1D advocate Lance Bass, for an unforgettable evening.
It’s a night to celebrate the strength of the T1D community and support the mission to fund life-changing research for cures. Let’s come together, create lasting memories, and drive progress forward.
To purchase tickets, sponsorships, tables or donate to Fund A Cure, please visit our website here.
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.
Applications are Open for the 2026/27 School Year
The Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassador Program is open to children and teens in Kindergarten through 12th grade who are living with T1D. The program provides opportunities to grow in advocacy, leadership, community involvement, and sharing their T1D story. Youth Ambassadors also build meaningful connections through shared experiences that foster friendship, support, and fun.
View this year’s application here for more information and to apply. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2026. We look forward to welcoming another incredible group of Youth Ambassadors this fall!
For more information, contact Marcela Pallete.
Become a Breakthrough T1D Volunteer
Interested in taking your involvement with Breakthrough T1D to the next level? Volunteers have been a critical part of our movement since day one of this organization, and we would love for you to join us!
Featured Volunteer Positions:
Join us at Breakthrough T1D Walk, Santa Barbara on September 26 to support this growing community! We have a variety of volunteer positions and time slots available. For more information, contact Rachel Bruington.
Outreach Ambassador volunteers play a vital role in supporting newly diagnosed individuals and families, helping connect them to Breakthrough T1D at a critical moment. As the first touchpoint, they ensure each person receives a personal, compassionate, and welcoming introduction to the Breakthrough T1D community. We are looking for caring and empathetic individuals to join this team and ensure that no one faces a new T1D diagnosis alone.
Does this sound like you? Contact Marcela Pallete.
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.
- Ask the Therapist Monthly – Last Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Register here.
- Ask the Endo Monthly – Third Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m. Register here.
- E-Meet & Greets: Monthly Zoom Meet-Ups – Rotating Wednesdays, 12 p.m.
- Reunión Virtual Para Adultos y Familias con Diabetes Tipo 1 en Español
- T1D Teen Connect Monthly Meetup – Third Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. Register here.
- Virtual Parent Meetup – First Thursdays, 6 p.m. Register here.
- T1D & Neurodivergent Support Group – Second Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. Register here.
- T1D Dads Barbershop Talk – Every 3 months on the Second Friday of the month, 12-1 p.m. Register here.
- T1D Partner Support Group – Last Tuesday, every other month, 6-7 p.m. Register here.
- Grandparents E-Meet & Greet (Meets Quarterly) – Second Tuesday, every 3 months, 12-1 p.m. Register here.