Last month the Breakthrough T1D Ride kicked off their 2024 season in picturesque Burlington, VT. The Greater New England Team showed up and stood out as the largest chapter team. There were also a number of other recognitions that members of our team received. We are thrilled to share the recognition of two very special teens in our community, Claire Devlin and Anna Cook.

Claire Devin, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2011 when she was three years old. Her family has been involved with Breakthrough T1D events every year since her diagnosis, and her mom has ridden twice. She knew that when she was old enough, she wanted to get in the saddle too. Last year, soon after turning 16, she did just that as she rode alongside her dad in Burlington, VT. She turned 17 in June and came back to Burlington for her second ride, again with her dad. Claire has grown up in the Breakthrough T1D community and it looks like she’s going to continue the family tradition for decades to come. Her diabetes has inspired her to aim for a career in healthcare, specifically to design better medical treatments for people living with diseases like T1D. From the determination she puts toward her riding, we know that she’ll absolutely succeed at whatever she takes on. It is without a doubt that all will benefit from her smarts, her passion and her generosity.

Claire was recognized as the 2024 Burlington Junior Ride Champion. This special honor recognizes a member of the next generation of Breakthrough T1D Riders. The people who are not only way better on their phones than we are but they just might be the generation that brings the end of T1D. The Junior Ride Champion jersey is awarded to a rider at each location who is between 13 and 17 years old, and who represents everything this ride and this community is all about.

Anna Cook was next honored with the 2024 Burlington Volunteer Dedication Jersey. As this event couldn’t happen without the hard work of our volunteers. Without dedicated volunteers, our riders would be thirsty, hungry and without them, probably still riding somewhere in southern New Hampshire. As a past ride participant herself, Anna knows how to make this event the magical experience it is.

There are volunteers who show up ready to be hands on; no matter the task. There are volunteers who show up with a smile on their face and an infectious spirit. Some are flexible, functional, dependable, task-focused and determined. And then there are the volunteers who are all of the above. Anna, a young woman who is living with T1D and defines what it means to be a selfless volunteer. She was very first to hit send on the volunteer registration form this year. Then when she arrived, the volunteer team asked her to change her assignments around and, without blinking an eye, she said yes. At Rest Stop Two, along with her dog Yoshi, she did everything from helping set up, to making sandwiches, to trying to keep every rider dry while she got soaked herself. Every time a cyclist crested over the ridge, she was the first to yell “Incoming! Incoming!” to get the cowbells and cheers ready. She volunteers to support her parents, who ride to support her journey with T1D. She is a true leader and the perfect role model for what the next generation can and should be. This honor was extra special, because it happened on her 18th birthday.

Thank you both for being extraordinary volunteers and leaders!