Fund A Cure with Connor Kash | Breakthrough T1D St. Louis Gala 2026

About Connor

I am so happy to be a Youth Ambassador for the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Dream Gala! I’ve gotten to be a Youth Ambassador several times over the last few years, and I hope my story inspires you to get involved in fundraising for those who live with Type 1.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) when I was four years old. When a person has T1D, their pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone essential to turning food into energy. Nothing that person did or didn’t do caused it. T1D requires constant monitoring of my blood sugar, while deciphering insulin doses, incorporating just the right exercise, and balancing food intake.

Breakthrough T1D helps fund life changing research that can lead to new technologies to manage this disease.  I have hope that it will also someday lead to a cure!  A cure to me would mean that a great burden would be lifted from me and my family. The theme of this year’s Gala is that we are undefinable, even as we live with T1D.

T1D used to be an entirely different condition, and while it still is a very large part of my life, the advancements that have been made through research funded by Breakthrough T1D have led to inventions like the insulin pump, and the continous glucose monitor (CGM) that make living with T1D easier than it was in the past. T1D is a part of me, but it isn’t everything that defines me.

T1D can feel scary and lonely at times. Breakthrough T1D makes kids feel like they’re not that different. Breakthrough T1D truly makes a difference, improving the lives of people with T1D.  Please support my fundraiser with a donation, and consider attending the Gala on March 28, 2026.

With sincere gratitude,
Connor