One of our very own Breakthrough T1D teen youth ambassadors, Michael Sevila, was featured on ABC 7 News – WJLA with Leon Harris on Harris’ Heroes during the 5 pm newscast on Wednesday, December 30!

In case you missed it, click here to watch his newscast posted on ABC 7 News – WJLA.

About Cars for the Cure: Held in Great Falls, VA, the 3rd annual car show raised over $60,000 for Breakthrough T1D – almost doubling the amounts raised the first two years combined! Benefiting from near perfect weather, the event showcased classic and unique cars, a silent auction, raffle, live music and awards. This event was started by 15 year old, Michael Sevila, and was born from his love of cars and his desire to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).
The idea for a car show to raise money for T1D research was hatched late one night in September of 2012 at Fairfax Hospital.  A then 12 year old Michael Sevila had just been rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of T1D – a disease that neither he or his family knew much about.  The result of long sleepless nights and late night discussions with Dad in that hospital led Michael to proclaim one night – “We need to fix this thing!”

But how?  Knowing nothing about the disease, or fundraising, or even who to raise funds for Michael turned to something he knew and loved.  He had helped his dad, brother, sister, uncle, and grandfather work on old cars, trucks and motorcycles from his very earliest years. The family’s love of classic and antique cars (blame it on Granddad) had grown into a small collection (or addiction according to Michael’s mom!) and a car show could be a fun way to educate people about T1D while having a great day listening to great music, enjoying great food,  and seeing some really cool old cars, trucks, and motorcycles.  Cars for the Cure VA was born!

Following his diagnosis, a little over 3 years ago, Michael and his family have hit the ground running ever since! Michael has served as a Breakthrough T1D Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter Youth Ambassador – working at Breakthrough T1D’s annual fall black tie Hope Gala, representing the chapter at various events, and organizing a walk team for the Breakthrough T1D One Walk this past spring. He even biked 100 miles 2 summers ago with his dad in the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes in Vermont, raising nearly $8,000 along the way.

We thank Michael and the entire Sevila family for their devotion to Breakthrough T1D’s mission. They look forward to holding this event again next year, so be on the lookout for more details. You will not want to miss it!

Thank you again to the Sevila Family and all sponsors for all of their incredible hard work.