On June 21, 2017, Breakthrough T1D Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter held its Annual Meeting which featured a research update, State of the Foundation, and a celebration of the accomplishments of our Chapter.

FY17 (2016-2017) Research Advances
Progress to be proud of in fiscal year 2017

Breakthrough T1D Advocacy
Use your voice to help secure legislative support for research, influence sound policy making and improve the quality of life for all those affected by T1D—until we find a cure. Let your voice be heard – Become a type 1 diabetes Advocate today at advocacy.jdrf.org.

Local Efforts, World-Wide Impact

• Breakthrough T1D One Walk, Omaha-Council Bluffs 2016 welcomed over 4,500 participants & raised over $550,000!
• Over 200 people attended Breakthrough T1D TypeOneNation Summit in January hearing from Breakthrough T1D Researcher, Andrew Rakemen, Ph.D. & participating in Breakout Sessions & Kids Camp.
• 2017 Promise Gala, Past, Present, Cure raised an amazing $1.2 million!
• 19 riders raised more than $83,000 & rode a combined 2,300 miles for Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes!
• Empower1 (teen group) was established, offering teens an opportunity to connect with one another.
• The Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes program had 8 schools raise over $22,000!

Special thanks to retiring Board members for their leadership from 2011 – 2017:
Kathy English
Drew Fossum
Lisa Johnson
Jill Rotella
Daron Smith

A warm welcome to our newly elected Board members:
Mike Fischer
Doug Hegarty (PayPal, Inc.)
Chad Richter (Jackson Lewis P.C.)
Steve Shirmang (TD Ameritrade)
Heather Smith (Children’s Hospital & Medical Center)

Congratulations to the newly elected Executive Committee:
Scott Mingus, President
Joel Falk, President Elect & Corporate Development Chair
Gabby Mormino, Secretary
Tim Fleming, Treasurer
Steve Loftus, Advocacy Team Chair
Leigh Cheloha, Outreach Chair
Kyle Robino, Nominating Chair

Thank you & congratulations to the following members of our volunteer family for their outstanding leadership, support, and dedication to our mission:

Open Hands Award – Scripps Company, 3 News Now & Z-92
The Open Hands Award is dedicated to our in-kind partner whose gifts of time, talent or product help further our mission by keeping costs low to ensure more money goes to research. Thank you Scripps for donating radio, television, web promotional space, and much more. You have helped spread awareness of our mission to thousands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trailblazer Award – Jill Rotella
The Trailblazer Award goes to someone who inspires others to do more, to dream bigger, and to think bold. She has blazed a trail for our chapter and lead through determination and passion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Excellence Award – Borsheims
Our Community Excellence Award goes to a business leader in their industry and an Omaha institution for over 100 years. They are dedicated to the community and Breakthrough T1D was fortunate to be selected as their charity of choice for their Weekend of Giving in December 2016.

 

 

 

Generosity of Spirit Award – Leigh Cheloha
The Generosity of Spirit goes to someone who gives their all. The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of who you are. The recipient of this award does just that. She is active in Gala, Walk, Advocacy, and leads our Outreach efforts. She always lends a hand and makes the time to support the T1D community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go-Getter Award – Deb & Chuck Tomek
Some people want it to happen, some wish it to happen, and others make it happen. The recipients of the Go-Getter Award have done just that. They have propelled our mission forward and inspired others to do the same. They are not on the sidelines in this fight against T1D. Champions for our Ride program, they participate in multiple Breakthrough T1D rides each year, which is why most of the photos we have of them, involve spandex.

Cure Champion Award – The Panzer Family
The Cure Champion Award goes to a family that led our Gala efforts knowing the ambitious goals set for the event. They went in front of a camera and stood in front of over 1,000 people to share their story and inspire others. They did this because there is no challenge too great for those who have the will and heart to make it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer of the Year – Terry Weland
Volunteers are ordinary people who reach out, take a hand, and together make a difference that lasts a lifetime. The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an outstanding volunteer for their valuable and selfless commitment to Breakthrough T1D. This year’s award goes to someone who has offered his time, over decades, to lead and inspire. He is a fierce advocate for Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community and often an unsung hero for our efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passing the Gavel

Thank you, Jill Rotella, for your never-ending dedication, hard work and passion for Breakthrough T1D’s mission and the T1D community. We couldn’t do it with you – For the Love of Louie!

Scott Mingus, our Chapter is looking forward to working alongside you as we continue to make tremendous strides in T1D research. Our mission has never been more important. The work we will do in the next year for Breakthrough T1D provides real promise toward saving lives, and preserving and restoring health to the millions who live with this life-threatening disease.

Breakthrough T1D BETA Society

The Beta Society recognizes those who have included Breakthrough T1D in their estate plans and are visionary supporters who provide the present, and future, financial energy needed for diabetes research. To become a BETA Member – you simply need to include Breakthrough T1D in your estate plans and then notify Breakthrough T1D by completing the BETA Form. There is no minimum commitment required.