Breakthrough T1D Walk is a nationwide movement where thousands rally to transform the future for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As the largest global event for the T1D community, Walk brings together those impacted by T1D to celebrate, educate, and fundraise for T1D research.
There are many ways to participate in a Breakthrough T1D Walk, from forming a friends and family team to starting a corporate team or building a virtual team! Meet three teams that are changing the lives of people with type 1 diabetes, one step at a time.
Stronger Together: The Power of Family
Oliver Christy was two years old when he was diagnosed with T1D in 2010. His family immediately jumped into action and started the Breakthrough T1D Walk team, Jolly Ollie, to raise funds for T1D research.
“I love the sense of community at the walk,” Oliver’s mom Karla said. “It was nice to not have people staring at us when we gave Oliver a shot of insulin so he could eat a snack. We watched someone change their pump site right out in the open!”
Because first-degree family members are at an increased risk for developing the condition, Oliver’s siblings, Miles and Stella, were screened shortly after their brother’s diagnosis. Stella had no T1D autoantibodies; Miles had one. The Christy family spent the next several years cautiously optimistic.
Then, in 2019, Stella was diagnosed with T1D after being admitted to the hospital with a blood glucose reading of over 900. Since Team Jolly Ollie no longer worked, the family changed the team’s name to Stronger Together.
Earlier this year, Miles was diagnosed with T1D. Whereas Oliver and Stella were diagnosed in Stage 3 (symptomatic) T1D, thanks to early detection, the doctors identified the condition in Miles at an early stage, avoiding a scary emergency diagnosis like his older siblings.
Most recently, the mother of one of Oliver’s friends was diagnosed with T1D in her 40s. The Christy family has more reasons than ever to be Stronger Together. “T1D can feel like an island sometimes,” Karla said. “The Walk is a reminder that we have a support group. It takes a village, and I am thankful for ours.”
Team Lilly: A Corporation That Cares
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care for over 100 years, since launching the first commercially available insulin in 1923. As a valued Breakthrough T1D partner since 1997, Lilly has raised millions through various initiatives and donated millions directly to research.
The Breakthrough T1D Walk is an important way for Lilly to show support for the local T1D communities and engage its employees in a cause that’s important to them. By gathering at walks across the country and raising money for type 1 diabetes research, Lilly team members hope to improve the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes while enjoying time together outside of the office!
Bianca and Olivia’s T1D Support Squad: Virtually Powering Breakthroughs
In August 2000, at age 5, Olivia Volpetti was diagnosed with T1D during a routine physical. Since then, the Volpetti family has been determined to make a difference, raising awareness and funds for T1D research through Breakthrough T1D Walk. “Walk is a core memory for us,” Olivia’s sister, Bianca, said.
In 2023, Bianca was planning her wedding but wasn’t feeling like herself—she attributed her weight loss and increased appetite to how busy she was. A visit to the doctor and then the hospital revealed she was in DKA and had T1D. “As Olivia would tell you, it’s because I obviously had to copy her,” Bianca joked.
Today, Olivia is “Dr. Liv,” a 29-year-old occupational therapist, and Bianca is happily married. Both are thriving.
More than ever, Olivia and Bianca’s mom, Donna, is a champion for her daughters and a devoted fundraiser for T1D research. “I am very grateful for all the ways that we now have to keep T1D under control and for those affected to live healthy, active lives,” she said. “My daughters are doing great because of it all.”
This year, the Volpetti family is holding a virtual walk the weekend of Thanksgiving so all their friends and family, near and far, can help fuel the breakthroughs that have allowed Olivia and Bianca to live their lives to the fullest.
Join the movement to transform life with type 1 diabetes. Start your own Breakthrough T1D Walk team today!
