A monthly guide to what’s happening in your Breakthrough T1D Community
Thank You for Supporting Our Beyond A Dream Gala
Together, we didn’t just gather – we created momentum, hope, and real impact. We are overjoyed to share that, thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our goal and raised an incredible $1,098,715 in support of type 1 diabetes research and cures.
This powerful milestone would not have been possible without the passion and leadership of our extraordinary Chairs – Nancy Mienik, Claire Squier, and Mara Wilkie – whose vision brought this night to life, and our inspiring Youth Ambassadors, who reminded us all exactly what we’re fighting for.
While the evening may be behind us, the momentum we created together is still alive. If you feel inspired by this energy, urgency, and sense of possibility, we invite you to be part of what comes next—an additional gift at any level fuels the research and progress bringing T1D cures beyond a dream and closer to reality.
If you would like to continue the celebration with a donation, you can do so by visiting our website here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Development Manager, Alex Hines.
Orange County Community Summit, featuring Katie Bone, American Ninja Warrior Women’s Champion
When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: OASIS Senior Citizen Center, 801 Narcissus Avenue, Corona Del Mar, CA, 92625
The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit brings the T1D community together to learn from experts, hear about the latest breakthroughs in T1D research, meet vendor exhibitors, connect with others impacted by T1D, and more. Lunch will also be provided.
Don’t miss this this exciting opportunity to hear from T1D Celebrity Warrior, Athlete, and American Ninja Warrior Women’s Champion, Katie Bone, who will join us as our Keynote Speaker! Diagnosed with T1D at the age of 11, Katie had already achieved national ranking as a rock climber but questioned whether she would ever climb again due to the complications she faced from the disease. However, she refused to allow T1D to keep her from pursuing her dreams, and eventually made her debut on “American Ninja Warrior” in season 14, becoming one of the youngest females to reach the National Finals. Today, she has her sights set on the Olympics for speed climbing. Join us in Newport Beach for this unforgettable keynote and a day dedicated to connection, inspiration, and innovation
Registration is required to attend, so RSVP here today!
Help Us Transform Life with T1D
We are on a mission to power new breakthroughs in T1D research! Whether it’s spending a day out with your community at Breakthrough T1D Walk, an unforgettable evening at our annual Gala, golfing your way through 18 holes, or pedaling through the miles at a high-energy Ride, your commitment drives research, advocacy, and support to improve lives as we advance toward cures.
It’s time for Breakthrough T1D Ride, where every pedal stroke powers research, advocacy, and support to improve lives until we find a cure! 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 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
- Orange County Walk, November 8, 2026 | Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Registration is open for all Walks, so find your local Walk and sign up your team today!
We are also in the process of building local Walk Committees to assist with these events and we need you! Contact Samantha Kearney in Temecula and Lauren Christ in Orange County.
The Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) Fore the Kids Golf Classic returns to Monarch Beach Golf Links on Monday, June 15.
Located along the stunning Dana Point coastline, Monarch Beach Golf Links is one of only a handful of true oceanfront courses in California, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable playing experience in Orange County. Join us for a meaningful day on the green as we come together to support Breakthrough T1D’s mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes.
Registration is open, so secure your spot today!
For sponsorship opportunities or to join the Golf Planning Committee, chaired by Torrey DiRoberto and Jenny Rodriquez, please contact Lauren Christ.
National Volunteer Week is April 19-25
During this week, we will be celebrating the remarkable dedication of our volunteers.
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is Partnering for Innovation. Our volunteers power our movement and make type 1 diabetes (T1D) innovations possible through tireless advocacy, fundraising, and community-building. This partnership is the heart of our organization—it fuels our mission and inspires us each and every day!
From board members and event committees to office volunteers, advocacy leaders, and Youth Ambassadors, we thank you for your contributions of time, talent, and passion. Together, we are changing life with T1D and making everyday life better for the people who face it.
Thank you!
Upcoming Chapter Events
In Person Events
- Da Boyz Pizza Giveback Day: Tuesday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. at Da Boyz Original Pizza & Pasta Italian Eatery (40477 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite d 4, Murrieta, CA 92563). Da Boyz Pizza is hosting a giveback day for us all day on April 14th! Stop any time and mention Breakthrough T1D at checkout and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to Breakthrough T1D. Learn More Here.
- Bushfire Kitchen Giveback Day: Monday, April 27, 11 a.m. at Bushfire Kitchen Locations in Menifee and Temecula. Bushfire Kitchen is hosting a giveback day to support Breakthrough T1D! Just stop by either location and mention Breakthrough T1D and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to Breakthrough T1D San Diego and Hawai’i. Learn More 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.