While it’s true that COVID-19 has forever changed the way organizations like Breakthrough T1D fundraise, it’s also true that the pandemic couldn’t change the passion that lives within our T1D community.
Even with in-person events on hold, so many people understood that important work still needed to be done. And they jumped into action, putting their time, talents, and creativity into individualized fundraisers we call Breakthrough T1D Your Way.
As we return to the large, inspirational events Breakthrough T1D is known for, such as One Walk, One Dream Gala or Breakthrough T1D Ride, it’s exciting to see unique opportunities continue to sprout. Here are just a few Breakthrough T1D Your Ways our dedicated T1D community rallied around recently:
CROSS COUNTRY BIKE RIDE:
Randy Wussler, a T1D dad and NJ native now living in California, rode his bike from San Diego, CA to Manasquan, NJ raising over $20,000 in honor of his 25-year-old daughter Lexie who was diagnosed with T1D when she was just 8 months old.
His journey began in April and ended last weekend, when he triumphantly he dipped his tires into the Atlantic Ocean after traveling more than 3,300 miles. He endured sandstorms, wildfires, intense head winds, and even a bout of COVID, but nothing stopped him from completing his mission.
You can read more of his story on his blog and check out his Your Way page.
MEN’S CLUB WALKS TO RAISE AWARENESS:
The Men’s Club of Four Seasons at South Knolls, a community organization focused on its members, charity, and community engagement, has been walking for more than 14 years to raise awareness and funds to support the T1D community. The daughter of one of the Club’s founding members has been living with T1D for many years and struggled with complications. What began as rallying together to support one of their own has turned into an annual event that the entire community looks forward to. To date, they have raised over $50,000 for Breakthrough T1D – and although rain kept them from their traditional Walk to Cure Diabetes last month, they still raised $3000 to support our mission. A few members of the Club stopped by our Woodbridge office to present a check.
EVENTS BUILT AROUND INTERESTS:
Next week, a Battle on the Turf softball tournament will take place in Holmdel – an event that was inspired by another Your Way that has now become a tradition for the Sommers family and their community in Hazlet: Gabriella’s pumpkin patch!
Do YOU have an idea for the next wave of Breakthrough T1D Your Ways? Reach out to Cara Salaki at csalaki@BreakthroughT1D.org to get started!
