Dear Friends and Family,
Type 1 diabetes runs deep in our family. Our father, Kevin Jackson, was diagnosed at 13, and both Ashley (at 13) and Anna Kate (at 20) received the same diagnosis. Living with T1D has brought challenges and fears, but it has also strengthened our hope and purpose. Our family, friends and communities have empowered us to approach every challenge with grace, and celebrate every victory with praise.
We found routines, explored new technologies and built resilience. We navigated our teens and twenties together, but in the quiet moments, one unspoken prayer request lingered: What would this disease mean when we wanted to start families of our own?
The truth is this: research gave us hope. Research gave us continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps that could adjust automatically. Without it, there were higher risks and fewer options for our growing families. Thanks to this research, the two of us together have 5 beautiful healthy children. For expectant mothers with type 1 diabetes, blood sugar control wasn’t just about staying healthy ourselves—it was about protecting our babies. Every meal, every snack, every restless night became a calculation. We couldn’t simply “eat for two.” That was our reality during pregnancy – a constant balancing act. Together, we are rewriting the story for expectant mothers with type 1 diabetes—and their children.
At Breakthrough T1D, we help make everyday life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) better while driving toward cures. Globally, we break barriers to help people manage the condition and enjoy healthy lives. Today, we are opening doors that were once closed by diagnosis. We lead the way to more effective solutions: connecting the brightest minds to advance treatments, influence policy, and improve global access to care. Tomorrow, we will make this condition a thing of the past, by accelerating research and driving innovation forward.
These are just a few of the outcomes from your generosity over the past several years:
- The first person with T1D to receive an immunosuppression-free cell replacement therapy is making insulin for 6+ months post-transplant—a major milestone for T1D cell therapies.
- A new disease-modifying therapy is making headway: a recent clinical trial showed that it can help preserve insulin production in children, adolescents, and young adults with newly diagnosed T1D.
- Closed-loop automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are on their way: a recent trial in the U.K. showed that people using a fully closed-loop system spent three additional hours each day with blood sugar in target range.
As this year’s Breakthrough T1D, Hope Gala, Fund A Cure Family, we ask that you consider a meaningful gift to support all our loved ones living with T1D. We hope you will join us on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at The Westin Jackson at 6pm. You do not need to wait until Gala night to make a gift. Simply scan the QR code or mail in a check. If you donate early and can join us on Gala night, we ask that you raise your bid card proudly knowing that your support is making a huge difference, and you are encouraging others to do the same.
All donations and ticket purchases can be made at breakthrought1d.org/southernstates/MissGala2026 or mail your donation to Breakthrough T1D, MS FAC, PO Box 1560, Hagerstown, MD 21741-1560. We are grateful for your commitment to improving lives and finding the cures.
Sincerely,
Ashley Jackson and Anna Kate Stanford, Daughters of Kevin and Laura Jackson
2026 Fund a Cure Family
