Illinois Chapter

Your local chapter serves as the hub of Breakthrough T1D information and events in your area. We’re here to help. Connect with us to find support, community and ways to join the fight to end T1D.

Events

Find community and raise money for T1D research. Breakthrough T1D events are unforgettable experiences.

We all have a story of how T1D has changed our lives. As a Breakthrough T1D advocate, I use my voice to tell lawmakers our story of living with T1D and why research must continue.  

Mary Horn

Grassroots Advocate, Breakthrough T1D Advocacy

Get Involved

Whether you donate your time or dollars, life-changing breakthroughs in T1D treatments and therapies couldn’t happen without you.

Get Support

Find community and raise money for T1D research. Breakthrough T1D events are unforgettable experiences.

News

Follow us for updates

On April 12th, 2025, the ballroom at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare wasn’t just filled with family and friends from Breakthrough T1D. It was filled with purpose, power, and celebration. Nearly 80 of our most dedicated fundraisers, families, friends, and changemakers…

Fundraising

Today is Giving Tuesday and we are grateful for all the progress being made. Our 2024 Fund A Cure Family, Julie Newman and Jamie Burgdorfer want to share their story: It was December of 1977, a time forever etched in…

Fundraising Life with T1D

Join Breakthrough T1D Illinois for an in-person, educational summit, that brings the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community together. Learn about research advancements, participate in discussions with experts, and meet others living with diabetes. Educational sessions will be focused on T1D…

Awareness General

During National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM), we would be remiss not to honor the lives of the individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who we have lost. Whether these incredible people lost their battle due to T1D complications, or their…

Awareness General National Diabetes Awareness Month

CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2022 – The Breakthrough T1D Illinois One Dream Gala–one of Chicago’s top annual philanthropic events–surpassed last year’s record-breaking evening of fundraising. Saturday night, Breakthrough T1D Illinois raised more than $16 Million that will fund life-changing breakthroughs to…

Fundraising

Leadership

Whether you donate your time or dollars, life-changing breakthroughs in T1D treatments and therapies couldn’t happen without you.

Laura Dunne

Board President

Michael Alter

At Large Member

Debbie Gordon

At Large Member

Kayne Grau

Development Chair

Joseph P. Lacher

At Large Member

Melissa Laskey

Community Engagement Chair

Mark Schauerte

Advocacy Chair

Jonathan Vree

Peer to Peer Chair

Thank You to Our Partners

Our corporate partners take raising funds and awareness for T1D research to new heights.

Contact Us

35 E Wacker Dr.
Ste 2200
Chicago, Illinois, 60601

312-670-0313

312-670-0250

Mail and Donations Address

PO Box 5018
Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5018