A monthly guide to what’s happening in your Breakthrough T1D Community
Transform Life with T1D
We are on a mission to power new breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research! Join us to drive research, advocacy, and provide support to improve lives as we advance toward cures.
We’re bowling over with excitement for Walk season! Join us at the Breakthrough T1D Walk, Orange County HYPE Party to learn more and get excited for the Walk in November.
When: Sunday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Irvine Lanes
Register your team for the main event today to join us for an inspiring day of community and raising funds for breakthroughs in T1D research:
When: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Where: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
We are also in the process of building local Walk Committees to assist with these events and we need you! Contact Lauren Christ for more information.
Ride for T1D Breakthroughs
Breakthrough T1D Ride, 2026 is taking place at 5 exciting locations throughout the country, or you can ride from anywhere with MyRide. Many Ride Packages are still available, and Rides will take place through December, 2026. Whether you plan to ride 1 mile or 100, claim your spot today!
Congratulations to all of the Southern California Riders who participated in the Cascades Ride from August 27-30. Together, they raised an amazing $150, 000 to power breakthroughs in T1D research!
Good luck to the following Ride participants who will be attending the Cape Cod Ride from September 25-28:
- Daniel Brunner
- Mike Castagna
- Daren Dickerson
- Chloe Dufty
- Richard Dufty
- Latika Hickey
- Lisa Johnson
- Dominic Marasco
- Chris Prentiss
- Marin Purdy
- Brian Siemak
- Alissa Wood
WE RIDE ON to power T1D breakthroughs!
Where will you ride? Register Today!
For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Endurance opportunities, contact Judy Parra.
Save the Date for the Orange County Gala
The Breakthrough T1D Orange County Gala will once again bring together our incredible T1D community for an inspiring and impactful evening.
When: March 13, 2027
Where: Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
The special 30th anniversary event will feature hosted cocktails, dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, and our powerful Fund A Cure program, where every donation accelerates life-changing T1D research. We are proud to be honoring Mary and Dick Allen for their numerous contributions to Breakthrough T1D and the incredible impact they’ve made in the T1D community over nearly 30 years.
To purchase tickets, sponsorships, tables or to donate to Fund A Cure, please visit our website. For more information or to join our amazing Gala committee, email Michelle Popoff.
Volunteer and Make a Difference!
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 on our website!
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. We are looking for caring and empathetic individuals to join this team and ensure that no one faces a new T1D diagnosis alone.
For more information, contact Catrina Cooper.
Upcoming Chapter Events
- Breakthrough T1D Walk, Orange County HYPE Party | Sunday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. – We’re bowling over with excitement for Walk season! Enjoy complimentary lunch, bowling, and the opportunity to connect with other families living with type 1 diabetes as we kick off an incredible Walk season together. Learn more and RSVP here.
- Veronica Beard Giveback Event| Thursday, September 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Our hosts invite you to a shopping event to benefit the Breakthrough T1D Greater Orange County Chapter, where 20% of all event proceeds will be donated to Breakthrough T1D. Learn More and RSVP here.
- Breakfast with Rufus | Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. – Come have breakfast with your local T1D community and our favorite bear with diabetes, Rufus. Learn more and 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.
- Ask the Therapist Monthly – Last Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Register here.
- Ask the Endo Monthly – Third Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m. Register here.
- E-Meet & Greets: Monthly Zoom Meet-Ups – Rotating Wednesdays, 12 p.m.
- Reunión Virtual Para Adultos y Familias con Diabetes Tipo 1 en Español
- T1D Teen Connect Monthly Meetup – Third Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. Register here.
- Virtual Parent Meetup – First Thursdays, 6 p.m. Register here.
- T1D & Neurodivergent Support Group – Second Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. Register here.
- T1D Dads Barbershop Talk – Every 3 months on the Second Friday of the month, 12-1 p.m. Register here.
- T1D Partner Support Group – Last Tuesday, every other month, 6-7 p.m. Register here.
- Grandparents E-Meet & Greet (Meets Quarterly) – Second Tuesday, every 3 months, 12-1 p.m. Register here.