{"id":8987,"date":"2025-09-05T17:23:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T17:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.breakthrought1d.org\/minnesotadakotas\/?p=8987"},"modified":"2026-06-10T14:33:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T14:33:55","slug":"honoring-the-leaders-of-the-2025-breakthrough-t1d-minnesota-gala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.breakthrought1d.org\/minnesotadakotas\/2025\/09\/05\/honoring-the-leaders-of-the-2025-breakthrough-t1d-minnesota-gala\/","title":{"rendered":"Honoring the Leaders of the 2025 Breakthrough T1D Minnesota Gala"},"content":{"rendered":"

On October 4, 2025, at The Depot in Minneapolis, more than 500 community and corporate leaders will gather for an unforgettable black-tie-optional evening in support of Type 1 diabetes<\/a> (T1D) research and advocacy. The event will feature an elegant seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and the \u00a0Fund A Cure segment.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Gala is guided by three extraordinary leaders whose personal journeys and commitment to T1D deeply embody the spirit of hope, resilience, and innovation:<\/p>\n

The Wigdahl Family \u2013 Fund A Cure Family<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For the Wigdahl family, T1D is more than a diagnosis\u2014it\u2019s a way of life that has shaped their days, their approach to parenting, and their enduring hope. Their story began when Vince was diagnosed at age 27 after subtle symptoms led to a blood sugar check and subsequent ER visit. Over time, he adopted life-changing diabetes technologies: a continuous glucose monitor<\/a> (CGM) and insulin pump.<\/p>\n

In a heartbreaking next chapter, their son Brecken was diagnosed with T1D just four days before his first birthday. Signs like irritability and nighttime wetting prompted the family\u2019s insistence on answers\u2014and on October 1, 2023, Brecken was hospitalized for dangerously high blood sugar. Now, equipped with a CGM and an pump, he continues to inspire his family with daily courage.<\/p>\n

The Wigdahls\u2019 presence at the Gala symbolizes resilience, unity, and a steadfast hope for a future where no family must cope with T1D alone.<\/p>\n

Dr. Jen McVean \u2013 T1D Champion<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Jen McVean\u2019s connection to T1D began with her own diagnosis at age 11 in January 1988. Since then, she has dedicated her life to changing the course of diabetes\u2014becoming a pediatric endocrinologist, a Breakthrough T1D-funded researcher, and antibody screening advocate.<\/p>\n

Driven by the desire to spare her child and countless others from the daily burden of diabetes, Dr. McVean has participated in Breakthrough T1D’s Walk and Ride programs\u2014advocating for advancement and a world where future generations may live without needing insulin.<\/p>\n

The Kron Family \u2013 T1D Champion<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Landon Kron was diagnosed with T1D<\/a> at age 2. Since then, life for him and his family has involved finger pricks, insulin shots, and the constant vigilance of managing blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n

At age 4, Landon began using an insulin pump and later took part in a clinical trial for the Omnipod Horizon system\u2014now known as Omnipod 5. That trial helped bring a connected CGM and pump algorithm to market, directly benefiting millions living with T1D. Recently, he completed another clinical trial, and served as a Breakthrough T1D delegate to the Children\u2019s Congress, sharing firsthand the daily burden of T1D and advocating for funding to lift it.<\/p>\n

Save the Date & Join the Movement<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This Gala<\/a> is more than an evening\u2014it\u2019s a powerful demonstration of community, leadership, and momentum in the fight against Type 1 diabetes. With leadership from those whose lives are personally impacted, the event promises to inspire, connect, and drive meaningful progress.<\/p>\n

Event Details at a Glance:<\/strong><\/h3>\n