Meet the Breakthrough T1D Run team that will be putting mission to miles on Monday, April 21 at the 129th Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America! Thank you to these passionate and dedicated athletes for raising critical funds for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research!

This team of incredible athletes and Breakthrough T1D supporters has already raised $88,000 for Breakthrough T1D’s mission. Thank you to our team for their dedication and commitment!

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Brittany Gaulin | Boston, MA

“Don’t forget to celebrate how far you’ve come.”

What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: My older brother, Shaunn, was diagnosed with T1D at 10 years old. At the age of 32, we tragically lost him to diabetic ketoacidosis. I also have a cousin, Alexis, who was diagnosed with T1D at only two years old.

How did you get into running: As a kid, I wasn’t very into running—in fact I dreaded it during practices. But I loved being active and playing sports. As I got older, I got more into working out and I started signing up for the occasional 5K just for fun.

Over the last year, running has become so much more than just exercise, it’s been a way for me to challenge myself, clear my head, and process life—it’s become incredibly therapeutic for me.

Is this your first marathon: Yes! This is my very first marathon. Running one has always been in the back of my mind as something that would be such a cool accomplishment. I’m definitely a little nervous, but mostly excited—especially to be doing it in Boston and for a cause that means so much to me.

What you are most looking forward to at this year’s race: I’m really looking forward to the energy and excitement of race day—being out there with all the other runners, the crowds, and the atmosphere. I’ve heard Boston is like no other, and I can’t wait to experience it for myself. And I’m especially excited to see my family and friends cheering me along the course as they’ve been such amazing supporters throughout this whole journey.

What are you most nervous about: Honestly… the 26.2 miles! It’s such a big distance, and even with all the training, it’s hard not to feel a little intimidated. And of course, the Boston hills are definitely on my mind. I know there will be tough moments, but I’m hoping to stay strong, trust my training, and soak it all in—no matter how it goes.

Longest (or favorite) training run/route: My favorite training run was my 20-miler, which I turned into a relay-style fun run—“20 friends for 20 miles”—so I wouldn’t have to do it alone. My friends jumped in at different points along the route, and it made the miles fly by. They were total troopers—bringing the energy, keeping me going, and even bearing some rain with me. We hit all the Boston landmarks—starting in Brighton, going down Beacon Street, passing Fenway Park, along the Esplanade, through the Common, following the Freedom Trail, and finishing with a couple miles along the Southie beaches. It was so special to celebrate the longest run of my training block with them. Highly recommend tricking your friends and family into marathon training with you!

What is your favorite fuel (before, during and after the race): Before a race, my go-to is a warm bowl of oatmeal with banana and yogurt. During the race, I love eating gummy snacks and salt tabs, but I’ll also throw in some gels—not because I love them, but because they are the easiest for me to eat without choking while running. After the race, my ideal meal is a grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries, side of honey mustard and an ice-cold beverage.

Do you run with music? If so, what do you listen to: If I’m running solo, music is a must. I’m always adding new songs to my playlist or trying out new mixes—usually anything with a good beat. But for a long run, I always find my way back to a Fred again… mix.

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Andrew Kebalka | Lebanon, NH

“Winners define themselves by what they made happen, losers define themselves by what happened to them.”

What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: I was diagnosed at 24 years old with T1D. My initial connection to Breakthrough T1D was being a general member of the Young Leadership Committee (YLC) of the Greater New England Chapter of JDRF for a number of years. This was my first experience being around other T1D patients and I quickly realized how important support like this was.

How did you get into running: Life and diabetes.

After being diagnosed with T1D, I learned really quick that running with blood sugar swings isn’t exactly a smooth ride.

A few rough experiences had me convinced for a number of years that the two just didn’t mix. But I’ve always met adversity head-on. The challenge of running with diabetes became something I gravitated towards. The discipline, the strategy—it clicked just recently. Running gave me something to master, not just survive.

This is my second marathon, first official. I was the first alternate on the 2024 BreakthroughT1D team, and when no spots opened up after the drop-out deadline, I couldn’t take my cross hairs off it. So, the night before the 2024 Boston Marathon, I laced up at 8:30 p.m. and ran a midnight marathon of my own. This year, I’m excited to finally run it with the crowd—and to see where I’m stepping.

What you are most looking forward to at this year’s race: The crowds! Also, sharing this moment with the T1D children and their families I have connected with during the journey of the last few months of training and fundraising. Showing them that anything is possible with T1D is something I look forward to.

What are you most nervous about: Anything can happen on race day!

Longest (or favorite) training run/route: I’ve been doing the Charles River 500 here in Boston. Being out there alone in the early morning hours is hard to beat, especially during a good storm.

What is your favorite fuel: My protein shake has five Michelin stars.

Do you run with music? If so, what do you listen to: Absolutely, I would head home without it. “Where The Streets Have No Names” by U2 trims a lot of time off a run.

Follow Andrew on Instagram: @atkebalka

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Tiffany McMillan | Houston, TX

“To succeed, you need to find something to hold onto, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.” – Tony Dorsett

What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: In September 2024 my 18-year-old daughter was diagnosed with T1D as a senior in high school.

Her ambulance ride, one week hospital stay, and the last six months have been the scariest of our lives.

We are helping her navigate how to keep herself alive and healthy on an hour-by-hour basis!

How did you get into running: I ran my first three miles and my first marathon in 2016. I fell in love with marathon running and travel. Since that first New York City Marathon in 2016, I have run NYC again, London, Tokyo, Berlin, and Chicago.

What you are most looking forward to at this year’s race: I look most forward to running in honor of my recently diagnosed daughter with T1D. I look forward to running to raise money and awareness for the challenges she faces each day.

People tend to think that running a marathon seems soooooo hard. Wow. Yes. It pales in comparison to every day of her life with T1D. When I don’t want to run in the wind or the cold or the rain or just because I don’t want to run, I remind myself that she calculates every morsel of food that she eats, gives insulin several times per day, sometimes can’t make her morning workout because she is too low or too high, and wakes up often several times in the middle of the night when her CGM blares that she is low to force herself sugar so she stays alive.

What are you most nervous about: The hills

Longest (or favorite) training run/route: 20!

What is your favorite fuel: Night before is a burger and beer. Before is a piece of toast or apple with peanut butter. After… a beer!

Do you run with music? If so, what do you listen to: Usually the last half. First half of long runs I call my grandma and catch up.

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Jonathan Pivor | Boston, MA

If Zac can face T1D every single day with strength and resilience, I can take on 26.2 miles for him. This race is a reminder that no challenge is too big when you refuse to give up.

What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: My connection to Breakthrough T1D is deeply personal—my son, Zac, was diagnosed with T1D when he was just 2.5 years old. Since then, I’ve seen firsthand the resilience, strength, and daily challenges that come with this disease. From countless finger pricks to navigating life with pumps and CGMs, Zac faces it all with determination and a spirit that inspires me every day.

This marathon isn’t just about running—it’s about Zac. He’s the reason I’m doing this. When he asked me to run, there was no hesitation. If he can face T1D every single day, I can take on 26.2 miles for him.

This journey has also connected me to an incredible community of families, advocates, and individuals living with T1D. Their stories of perseverance remind me that while T1D is relentless, so is the strength of those who fight it.

This race is for Zac and for every person in the T1D community. To show them they’re not alone. To push for better treatments. And to keep fighting for the day we find a cure.

How did you get into running: I’ve always needed to incorporate cardio into my routine for heart health, having undergone open-heart surgery as a baby. But running? That was never really my thing—until I started training for Boston this year. The process was tough, full of challenges and setbacks, but along the way, something changed. Now, I can confidently say that I may not run a marathon again, yet running has earned a permanent spot in my weekly workout routine.

Is this your first marathon: Yes

What you are most looking forward to at this year’s race: I’m most looking forward to the incredible energy of the crowds, the electric atmosphere, and, most of all, the moment I see Zac and my wife at the finish line—knowing I’ve shown him that anything is possible.

What are you most nervous about: I’m most nervous about whether I’ve trained enough, if my body will hold up over 26.2 miles, and what race day conditions will bring. The weather is unpredictable, and anything from extreme heat to cold rain could add another layer of challenge. But at the end of the day, I know I’ve put in the work, and I’ll be ready to take it all in stride.

Longest (or favorite) training run/route: One of my favorite training runs was my 17-mile route that took me through the heart of Boston and into Brookline. Running through the city, past familiar landmarks, and feeling the energy of the streets made the miles fly by. It was one of those runs where everything clicked—the pace, the scenery, and the sense of progress toward race day.

What is your favorite fuel: 

• Before- a sesame bagel with pb&j and a banana.
• During- I am all about Maurten’s energy gels.
• After- we have a plan to go for Pizza at Coppa.

Do you run with music? If so, what do you listen to: Absolutely! My playlist is all over the place—one mile might be Coldplay or JT, the next could be EDM, Bruno Mars, Queen, or even the Rolling Stones. But sometimes, I swap the music for audiobooks or podcasts. If I’m not listening to music, I need something entertaining, like How Did This Get Made? for a good laugh or Michael Kosta’s Adventures in Tennis and Comedy to keep things light. Whether it’s beats or banter, I need something to keep me moving!

Would you like to share a motivational or inspirational message or quote: I’m incredibly honored to have this opportunity. Growing up in Boston, Marathon Monday was always one of the most exciting days of the year—watching the runners and feeling the pulse of the city made it feel like something truly special. To now be stepping onto that same course for the first time as a participant is going to be a deeply awe-inspiring and humbling experience. But above all, this run is for Zac. He’s the reason I’m here, and knowing he’ll be there cheering me on at the finish line makes this journey even more meaningful.

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David Streib | Atlanta, GA

Those first 10 minutes are liars!

What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: My wife was diagnosed with T1D in high school and now our young granddaughter is also fighting the disease.

How did you get into running: During COVID and working from home, I decided to get outside for some short exercise to help clear my mind. 

Short workouts became slightly longer each week until I found myself actually “training” and working toward longer races. This will be my fifth overall marathon and second World Major (Chicago, 2024). I’ve done numerous half marathons, but some of my favorite runs are the non-traditional events like Ragnar and Tough Mudder.

What you are most looking forward to at this year’s race: Being a part of the Breakthrough T1D team has been such a huge encouragement to me throughout the training program and I’m really looking forward to running with them.

What are you most nervous about: Miles 21-26.2

Longest (or favorite) training run/route: I truly enjoy watching the sun rise while finishing up a hard run, and some of my favorite routes have involved tackling the hills of the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky.

What is your favorite fuel: Bagels before, Stroop Waffles during, and a definitely a cold IPA when I’m done!

Do you run with music? If so, what do you listen to: Nothing beats the rhythm of the 90s and early 2000’s pop hits! 

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Lindsay Woodruff | Point Pleasant, NJ

“Attitude is the difference between ordeal and adventure”

What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: I was diagnosed T1D back in 1992 when I was six years old. I was so lucky to have supportive family and friends and to be given the freedom to learn and adapt to life with diabetes.

Overcoming some of those challenges left me with a template to live life to the absolute fullest in the most fearless way.

About ten years ago I started to feel an immense amount of pride in the care I give myself day in and day out.

I’m no expert but I decided back in 2022 that I wanted to talk to and help others, whether living with T1D or caring for someone, or impacted someway by it.

I became a volunteer Outreach Ambassador with Breakthrough T1D, to communicate, help, listen, and be available for people with T1D. These people are newly diagnosed families, people who have had T1D for a while, people who may or may not be looking for help, but I tell them all the same thing: “You’re not alone and we’re here for you when and if you need it.”

I think knowing that we’re not alone in life is such a powerful and comforting thing. I joined Breakthrough T1D at the 2024 Chicago Marathon and am just honored to be a part of the Boston team.

How did you get into running: I started as a volunteer firefighter in Brick, NJ back in 2008-2009. This was something I had always wanted to do as I had several family members who were heavily involved in firefighting through the years. It is a selfless, brave position and the science behind fire behavior and protection is still a huge interest of mine (I have a bachelors in Fire Science and was immersed in this field for many years.) When I joined the fire company as a 21-year-old, 5’3″ woman, I felt like I could do better. I needed to be and feel stronger carrying around 50-100 lbs. of gear in stressful and difficult situations… so I started running. At first, I wasn’t unable to continuously run for more than 15 minutes but I kept at it, trusted the process, and here we are running our seventh full marathon, third world major, and feeling like I have a lifelong “friend” in running. It has never let me down and proves everyday how amazing our bodies are and what we’re capable of.

I have done three NJ marathons, one solo marathon during Covid, one New York City, one Chicago and now Boston! The half marathons are countless, I couldn’t even guess how many I’ve done but the half is a really fun distance (especially when you’re simultaneously training for a full, it seems like a walk in the park lol). I just ran the Rock n’ Roll DC Half Marathon on March 15 with a time of 1:45, a few minutes off from my PR. I’ve done one sprint tri in Point Pleasant, NJ which was a total adventure and new territory for me– definitely something I’m curious about and may continue to dabble in as we go through life!

What you are most looking forward to at this year’s race: I just am so excited to be representing the team and to have been able to participate. This is the most prestigious marathon in the world, the course is tough and there is such a long history to it. I can’t wait to be there, be present and make the most of it with everyone else. I’ve learned through the years with events like this that, yes, the time and the outcome is important to me but the opportunity to be there, share the experience with people and to just simply be able to run is what really matters.

What are you most nervous about: Always logistics!  Blood sugar issues, adrenaline (causing blood sugar issues), crazy weather and transportation. Once I’m at the start line, all is ok. But getting to that point is always a little nerve wracking.

I try to remind myself that even though we plan and prepare, sometimes we have no control over things, and we are built to withstand them and overcome. So that’s what we will do!

Longest (or favorite) training run/route: I absolutely love running near home. It just feels comfortable and I’m so lucky to have great friends that live along my route that leave water and snacks out for me too. We live at sea level and have many beautiful areas to run along the ocean and bay. I’ve lived here for 38 years, and I still see things while running that I wouldn’t pick up on while driving.

What is your favorite fuel: 

• Fuel before: I like to start early, to eat and take my insulin and let those two dynamics work themselves out enough prior to the start of the race. My go to is usually a solid carb, with a fruit and protein so gluten free oatmeal with almond butter and blueberries OR a GF bagel/toast with almond butter and banana. Before the race I always take a UCAN Edge as well, which is a slow burning energy gel.
• During: I use multiple different fuels. Around mile 2-4 I’ll take a GU gel (only if my sugar is on the lower side as it does pack a punch and will cause a blood sugar spike!). I continue with Skratch energy chews every 25-35 min or if I’m feeling weak or know I’m coming up on a tough spot (Heartbreak Hill). I also use SIS isotonic gel, during a marathon around miles 10 and 18 or so. I also use Transcend D glucose gel for lows or energy. They’re my go to for lows when I’m not running!
• After, water is usually top of mind. I’ll lose my appetite for a while and then it will come back with a vengeance! I’ll do my best to eat something easy like a protein bar to replenish all those lost calories and then (as long as I’m feeling ok) will enjoy a big dinner later on. I’m celiac and have been gluten free since 2004 so if I can get my hands on a juicy GF cinnamon roll or a special treat I wouldn’t normally have, I’m all for it. After one of the NJ marathons, I had my mom waiting at the finish with a cinnamon roll. Total win.

Do you run with music? If so, what do you listen to: Yes! I do run with music and have a playlist organized for the marathon. The music keeps me motivated and distracted. Your brain is such a powerful tool during any kind of endurance event, sometimes it’s begging you to stop and rest. Music seems to soften those negative thoughts and allows me to keep distracted to push through to whatever is on the other side.

Is there anything else you would like to share: Just a big thank you to everyone that has supported me for so long. I’ve never felt more grateful for the people in my life than I do now. Just remember to make the most of every day, it’s a cliche saying but it’s the truth. Life is grand.

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To learn more about our runners and to support their fundraising efforts, please visit: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/breakthrought1dboston2025

Breakthrough T1D is proud to be a member of the 2025 Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.