For more than three decades, Sandra and Alan Silvestri have been an unwavering force in the fight to improve lives and accelerate breakthroughs for Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) and the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community.
Sandra and Alan’s journey began in 1992, when their son Joey was diagnosed with T1D at two years old. Sandra became involved with the Northern California chapter Walk soon after and also served on the then-JDRF International Board of Directors and the Lay Review Committee for Research. Together with other local families, Sandra founded the then-JDRF Monterey Branch, hosting the first meeting at her house and serving as President for a term. The group launched a local Walk in 1998, which raised $6 million over 20 years. Their family Walk team, Joe’s Impatient Walkers, has continued to fundraise and participate in Northern California Walks every year.
One of Sandra’s most lasting contributions was leading the effort to bring children living with T1D to the forefront Capitol Hill. After serving on the then-JDRF Communications Committee and attending a policy event in Washington, D.C., she questioned why the children most affected by T1D were not present. Subsequently, in 1999, Sandra was asked to chair the first Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress, a now-signature program that brings young T1D advocates to Capitol Hill to speak directly with lawmakers about the realities of living with the disease. Sandra helped build the program from the ground up, reviewing hundreds of children’s stories and giving them a national platform to be seen and heard.
Alan is an award-winning film composer whose work has earned two Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards, along with nominations for both Academy and Golden Globe Awards. He is best known for his iconic scores for the Marvel franchise which includes Avengers 1, 3, 4 and the upcoming 5 and 6, Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and The Polar Express. Alan brought his talent to the Breakthrough T1D community by composing music for the Children’s Congress original theme “Promise to Remember Me,” a piece that underscores the heart of Breakthrough T1D’s advocacy efforts.
Sandra and Alan split their time between their homes in Carmel and Alamo in the East Bay to be near their daughter and grandchildren. They own Silvestri Vineyards in Carmel Valley where they have hosted many events for the Breakthrough T1D community. The vineyard has also been a longtime supporter of the Walk.
Sandra and Alan are champions of the T1D community and cherished friends of Breakthrough T1D. We are proud to honor them at the 2026 Breakthrough T1D San Francisco Gala.
