Breakthrough T1D was started by two moms who volunteered their time to make life better for everyone impacted by T1D. This week, National Volunteer Week, we celebrate our chapter volunteers who share that same drive, tenacity and commitment. Our amazing volunteers never lost momentum, despite a difficult year, and continue to drive our mission forward to make a real impact on our shared mission.

Meet just a few of our talented, dedicated, and selfless volunteer partners who devote their time, passion and creativity to work alongside us to create a world withoutT1D.

Victoria Godino

Like many volunteers, we aren’t sure that Victoria Godino fully recognizes the impact that she’s had within our local community. We came to know Victoria through her involvement in the College Diabetes Network, where she’s served as the President of the CDN at The College of New Jersey. Victoria and her friends from the CDN have been on-hand at our TypeOneNation Summit events where they’ve led conversations with teens and parents alike about Taking T1D to College. She has shared her stories, offered resources, and provided encouragement to teens and their parents. After the pandemic started, Victoria partnered with us to lead a virtual Off to College event, where she and CDN again were available to connect with parents and students. Victoria stepped up during our first National Breakthrough T1D One Walk in 2020 to organize and lead a scavenger hunt for our One Walk teams. She also rallied her CDN friends and led a One Walk team. This year, Victoria has taken on a lead role to work with our chapter’s Youth Ambassador program. She’s our CFV – Chief Fun Volunteer for the YA program, focusing on fun ways for the YAs and kids from the community to come together. She also ensures the YAs have the information and tools they need to be successful in the program. Victoria’s passion and positive energy consistently serve to inspire, unite, and encourage those she connects with.

Lisa Clarke

Lisa has served in almost every volunteer role there is in our local chapter. She is a T1D mom to her son Connor (diagnosed at 3 and now 10 years old), and currently serves as an Outreach Volunteer, Walk Team Captain, Blue Crew Meet Up volunteer lead, Advocacy Committee Member, Golf Committee Member and a Youth Ambassador mom. This year when covid-19 hit, Lisa took on the responsibility of leading our grade school kids meet up, known as our “Blue Crew”. She helps plan and execute the monthly meet up to ensure that these T1D kids are still connecting and having fun, even if its virtual. She has also taken on a leadership position within the Advocacy Committee and played a pivotal role in advocating for T1D to be added to NJ high risk category for the covid-19 vaccine. Lisa is someone that goes “all in” when she is passionate about something, and we are so lucky that Breakthrough T1D is that to her.

Christina Correa

Christina has been involved in our chapter for quite some time now through local events and One Walk. Her son James was diagnosed with T1D at age 3 and is now 11 years old. Recently, Christina has taken on a very important role with our T1D Connections Program as an Outreach Volunteer where she connects with parents of newly diagnosed children. She offers them support, guidance and a shoulder to lean on. Christina brings her warm and giving personality to each new relationship which helps these families feel less alone during a really difficult time. Christina also takes on the added ownership of supporting our Spanish speaking families – something we have needed for quite some time. Christina communicates with, and connects these families to our resources in Spanish and national Spanish meet ups. Thank you, Christina for supporting our community!

Alicia Pieracini, FitNation with Alicia

Alicia joined the Breakthrough T1D family 10 years ago when she volunteered her time and talent to help us kick off our Jersey City One Walk. When Alicia jumps on stage to warm up the crowd, her enthusiasm and energy is contagious, and you can’t help joining in on the fun! Her dedication and passion for Breakthrough T1D and our T1D community is apparent. Last year, when we were unable to get together and walk in person, Alicia didn’t hesitate to ask how she could help. She rallied our entire walk community virtually – her warm up and inspiring message was shared on National Walk Day. When asked about supporting Breakthrough T1D One Walk, Alicia said “This is a walk with a purpose and miles towards a mission…where communities come together to celebrate those living with (T1D) Type 1 Diabetes and the research advancements that have been achieved! I have grown a passion for this community and being part of it!”  Thank you, Alicia for supporting our community!

Bloomberg

Volunteering and giving back to the community is a long-standing tradition at Bloomberg and for National Volunteer Week, we want to recognize all that they have done for Breakthrough T1D.

The “Best of Bloomberg” volunteer program began in 1997 as a way for employees to be good corporate citizens and give their time and talents to the community. For years, local employees of their Skillman, NJ office have lent a hand at numerous Breakthrough T1D events including our One Walk, Golf Classic and Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, to name a few.

Bloomberg employees’ spirit of service in the community is helping every child and adult affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D). Through their Dollars for  Your Hours program, Bloomberg encourages its employees to donate their time and talent which then becomes financial support for charities their employees care about.  Over the past 7 years hundreds of Bloomberg employees have helped generate invaluable financial support for Breakthrough T1D’s life-changing mission to prevent, better treat and cure T1D.  It’s been a privilege to work with such generous and motivated individuals. Thank you, Bloomberg!