Meet Alli Weir: I grew up in Connecticut, but now live in Towson, MD. I studied Organizational Communication at Ithaca College and received my MBA in Organization Development from Johns Hopkins. My husband, Ryan, and I are expecting and I currently work for Northrop Grumman as a Human Resources Director in Linthicum.

Why Breakthrough T1D? Ryan and his family were involved with Breakthrough T1D for 20+ years because his best childhood friend was diagnosed at a young age. Coincidentally my first job after undergrad was at Breakthrough T1D in Fairfield County, CT and I was in charge of the annual gala. Neither of us had family with T1D. In a completely ironic twist of fate, Ryan, at the age of 29, was diagnosed with T1D. From that moment on our energy, time and fundraising dollars have been more committed than ever to finding a cure for type 1.

What do you look forward to in your new volunteer role as Young Leadership Committee (YLC) co-chair?

I truly believe that people who are affected either directly or through a loved one want to be involved and sometimes it can be overwhelming to figure out how. My goal with YLC is to help people match their passion around volunteer and fundraising activities that are of interest to them and to help connect the dots! For example, we are building a charity team for the Baltimore Running Festival on October 15th.  There are various lengths – from a 5K to a full marathon. Our goal is to start building a network for young professionals and find/create events that are meaningful to them. Another way is hosting a Party with a Purpose where you invite friends and family over and ask everyone to bring a theme gift to be used at the silent auction at the annual gala. Our galas are coming up in November so there is still plenty of time to participate in this way. We’re constantly finding ways to fundraise in ways that resonate with each individual!

Meet Adrienne Kowcz:I grew up in Monroe, CT and lived in Boston for 6 years as I completed my Doctor of Pharmacy degree. I then moved to Baltimore, MD where I completed a community pharmacy residency with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and stayed in the area to work as a Clinical Educator in the field of diabetes. I’ve had type 1 since age 9, and am so excited I can join my passion and career into helping others become educated and empowered with their diabetes.

Why Breakthrough T1D?
Growing up I always had a walk team and loved the forward thinking as well as movement of the organization. I’ve seen where the money goes that we raise, such as advancements in diabetes management have been made throughout my time with diabetes. I’ve participated in Breakthrough T1D funded clinical trials in Boston, gone to the Research days, and now become involved with the chapter here in Maryland after meeting Alli while volunteering at the Baltimore Gala last year.

What do you look forward to in your new volunteer role as Young Leadership Committee (YLC) co-chair?

I’m most excited about events for Young adults in the area, as I know I always try to connect with others who have the same goal of turning type 1 into type none. Alli has really helped me get involved and we are having a Breakthrough T1D Baltimore Running Festival team, where there is a 5k, relay, half and full marathon option. It is great to build friendships with others in the area as well as unite for one goal. We also have monthly happy hours where we try to continually reach out to young adults in the area to come with fundraising ideas or just to meet others living with type 1 or interested in a world without it!