Exciting news! The Southern California Chapter is now becoming the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Orange County, and San Diego and Hawaiii Chapters. To learn about events in other Chapters in Southern California and Hawai’i, visit the Greater Los Angeles Chapter or the San Diego and Hawai’i Chapter websites.
Breakthrough T1D Walk
We are thrilled to share that, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Nancy Mienik, Claire Squier, and Mara Wilkie, the 2026 Beyond A Dream Gala will take place at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort on Saturday, March 14th!
The research advancements that have been made are not possible without your support, and we ask that you please consider supporting us this year; if you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, all that is required at this time is your commitment, and funds can be paid at a later date. To review sponsorship opportunities, you can view our sponsorship packet here.
Should you be interested in donating to our auction efforts, we’d sincerely appreciate your support! Your generosity is tremendously meaningful to us and will be gratefully appreciated by the T1D community. We hope to have all auction items secured by February 20, 2026.
For more information, or to purchase tickets please visit our website here. If you are interested in joining our gala committee, have any questions regarding the event, would like to secure a sponsorship, or would like to donate an auction item, please reach out to Development Manager, Alex Hines.
Walk
Join us for a Breakthrough T1D Walk in your community, where every step drives research, advocacy, and support to improve lives as we advance toward cures. These fun, family-friendly events welcome participants of all ages and abilities to raise T1D awareness and move us closer to a world without T1D.
- Temecula Valley Community Walk, May 30, 2026 | Temecula Promenade
- Registration is open, so sign up your team today!
- We are also in the process of building a Walk Committee to assist with this event and we need you. Contact Samantha Ecks Kearney.
- Orange County Walk, SAVE THE DATE! November 8, 2026 | Angel Stadium of Anaheim
- Registration will open Spring 2026.
Golf
Save the Date for our Fore the Kids Golf Classic to be held on Monday June 15th, 2026 at Monarch Beach Golf Links. To get more information or to join the event committee please contact Lauren Christ.
Endurance
Ride
Join us for the Breakthrough T1D Ride, where every pedal stroke powers research, advocacy, and support to improve lives until we find a cure. This inspiring, high-energy event welcomes cyclists of all skill levels to raise T1D awareness and accelerate our journey to a world without T1D. We are excited to announce the 2026 Ride destinations!
- La Crosse, WI: August 13-16, 2026
- The Cascades, WA: August 27-30, 2026
- Cape Cod, MA: September 24-27, 2026
- Austin, TX: October 27-November 1, 2026
- Amelia Island, FL: December 3-6, 2026
- MY RIDE: Your Ride, Your Way, Your Day
Where will you ride? Register Today!
For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Endurance opportunities, contact Judy Parra.
Community Engagement
The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit is an educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). It 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 this no-cost, educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). Lunch is included.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Oasis Senior Center
801 Narcissus Ave
Corona Del Mar, CA
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! If you are interested in joining us, please contact Catrina Cooper
Upcoming Chapter Events
In Person Events
- Community Teen & Tween Bowling Meet-Up – Murietta: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 5 p.m. at Bowlero Murrieta (40440 California Oaks Road). Join other T1D Teens/Tweens for this Volunteer hosted Meet-Up. RSVP Here.
- Breakfast With Rufus – Orange County: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 a.m. at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center (520 Superior Avenue, Suite 150). Come have breakfast with your local T1D community and our favorite bear with diabetes, Rufus! Don’t forget to bring your own Rufus or special friend. RSVP Here.
- Coffee Meet-Up – Temecula: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 a.m. at The Press Espresso (29601 Old Town Front Street). Join us for a coffee and a chat! We would love to connect with you! This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are community moment… just great company and conversation. RSVP Here.
- Spring Fest – Temecula: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 2 p.m. at Maurice Car’rie Winery (34225 Rancho California Road). This is a family friendly event where you will get an opportunity to learn more about our Temecula Valley Walk happening in May, learn more about Breakthrough T1D research and meet your Breakthrough T1D Community! RSVP Here.
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.
- Ask the Therapist Monthly – Last Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm. Register here.
- T1D Teen Connect Monthly Meetup – Third Wednesdays, 5-6pm. Register here.
- Virtual Parent Meetup – First Thursdays, 6pm. 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.