A monthly guide to what’s happening in your Breakthrough T1D Community
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.
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!
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.
Breakthrough T1D Advocates Convened in Washington, D.C. for 2026 Government Day
Breakthrough T1D 2026 Government Day brought together motivated
Advocates from all 50 states to convene in Washington, D.C., where they held nearly 500 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff in the U.S. House and Senate, sharing their personal stories of life with T1D, championing our top legislative priorities, and doing all they could to ensure that the collective voice of the T1D community was heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill.
Breakthrough T1D Advocates had a few specific asks for Congress, which we believe will have the biggest impact on our ability to achieve our mission.
- Support for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP)
- Protect Critical Funding for the NIH and FDA that Support T1D Research and Cures
- Accelerate Cell Therapies
- Advance Insulin Affordability For All
Other highlights of this event included the presentation of the Mary Tyler Moore Award to Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar of Udaipur, India and the Congressional Legacy Award to Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH).
Breakthrough T1D is tremendously thankful to the hundreds of advocates who came to Washington, D.C., to make this event possible and impactful. Special thanks to the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Advocacy Team Chair, Maura Hudson, as well as Jeff Bowser, Jonah Marks, Laura Mecoy, and Cary Walker for your efforts during this event! Learn more and get involved by becoming a Breakthrough T1D Advocate.
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 Position:
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.
- 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.