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 type 1 diabetes (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.
The Breakthrough T1D Fore the Kids Golf Classic returns to Monarch Beach Golf Links on Monday, June 15. Located along the stunning Dana Point coastline, this course is one of only a handful of true oceanfront courses in California, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable playing experience in Orange County.
Due to overwhelming excitement, the tournament is now on a waitlist for player registration. We still have a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible day and make an impact.
For sponsorship opportunities or to join the Golf Planning Committee, chaired by Torrey DiRoberto and Jenny Rodriquez, please contact Lauren Christ.
Walk or Ride With Us for T1D 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 | Promenade Temecula
- 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.
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 Orange County Chapter Advocacy Team Chair, Kristan Hinman, as well as Katie Blam & Tudy Atia for your efforts during this event! Learn more and get involved by becoming a Breakthrough T1D Advocate here.
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. Sign Up to Volunteer here.
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 faces a new T1D diagnosis alone.
Does this sound like you? Contact Catrina Cooper to learn more!
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.
- 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.