As 2020 comes to a close, we are reflecting on the year, and all that it has brought us. We are grateful for the health of our loved ones and the support of the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. This year has brought unprecedented challenges that have been significantly impacted everyone. Yet, the continual support and partnership of our community shine through, exemplifying the strengths of people facing T1D–resilience, ingenuity, and compassion.

During these unusual times, we at Breakthrough T1D have remained true to our mission.

We continue to drive remarkable T1D advances.

• Our research has two core objectives: curing T1D by helping the body’s inability to control glucose, reversing insulin dependence and prevent the progression of the disease in those at risk or recently diagnosed; and improving lives by treating people living with T1D with new drugs, therapies and devices that make it easier to stay healthy until the cure comes.
• Backed by your support, T1D research has led to critical advances in two key areas in our quest for cures: Beta Cell Therapies and Immune Therapies.
• We are going straight to the source of the problem to cure T1D: beta cells. Breakthrough T1D-funded researchers are exploring several approaches, including transplanting lab-engineered beta cells to promote insulin production. This beta cell replacement strategy builds on the Edmonton Protocol. Multiple devices are in clinical trials led by Breakthrough T1D partners, such as ViaCyte, Sernova, and others.

Locally, we continue to drive critical community connections, share resources and host programs to support our T1D families and accelerate our mission.

• In March, we gathered in-person for our annual TypeOneNation Summit, our chapter’s largest T1D educational. More than 500 people gathered to learn  and connect with others from our local community. We held our first Adults-only track, with content and speakers geared to their specific needs.
• We distributed 232 Breakthrough T1D Toolkits and Bag of Hopes to local adults, teens and children, providing immediate resources and support. Breakthrough T1D also stepped up Spanish-language materials, launching a Spanish-language resource page and developing the Bolsa de Esperanza (a Spanish Bag of Hope).
• You showed off your singing, dancing, gymnastics, even your karate skills during our first T1D Champions Got Talent Show!
• And, during National Diabetes Awareness Month, we took a moment to celebrate, acknowledge and thank nurses. At Breakthrough T1D we know how integral the role of a nurse is to someone with diabetes (and their families). Take a moment to watch this special thank-you video from our Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors, and share with any of your nurses too!

All of this momentum is owed to your passion, dedication, and generosity.

You are the reason for our success. When you support Breakthrough T1D with your time, talent, voice – and yes – your dollars, you enable us to accelerate scientific advances and bring forward new therapies to keep people with T1D healthier until we can cure T1D.

We may be apart this year, but we’re together for the mission, and we won’t stop until we get to the ultimate finish line: a world without T1D. Thank you for being by our side!