Orlando, FL (October, 2025) — The 21st annual Orlando Gala of Breakthrough T1D, themed “Mission: Possible,” took place on Saturday, October 18 at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Orlando, earning a landmark fundraising achievement of $1,060,000 in support of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, prevention, and treatment efforts. It was Orlando’s first-ever gala to surpass the $1 million milestone.
The evening began with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner, live auction, and moving stories from the T1D community during the hallmark “Fund A Cure” segment. (breakthrought1d.org) Hosting the event as emcee was beloved Disney performer and proud T1D father Billy Flanigan, whose warmth and stage presence helped set a spirited and hopeful tone for the night.
The gala honored two extraordinary individuals: Carla Voorhees Toll, the evening’s Honoree, who brings over thirty years of personal experience living with type 1 diabetes. Her father passed away from T1D complications, and her advocacy, leadership on the Orlando board, and fundraising efforts make her a powerful voice for the mission. Julie Jaworski, named the Fund A Cure Champion, has thrived for more than three decades with T1D, completed multiple Ironman and half-Ironman events while living with the
disease, and lends her dedication to advancing research and community support.
Breakthrough T1D extends heartfelt thanks to its top sponsors who played a pivotal role in reaching this milestone: Amwins, Liz Kennedy & Terry Henderson, Morgan & Morgan, Cornerstone Produce Group, the Schwartzberg Family, and AdventHealth for Children.
For more information about Breakthrough T1D, upcoming events, and how you can support the mission, please visit the Breakthrough T1D Northern Florida Website.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.
About Breakthrough T1D
Founded in 1970 by families whose loved ones had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), Breakthrough T1D is a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We are opening doors that were once closed by T1D diagnosis. We lead the way to more effective solutions by connecting the brightest minds to advance treatments, influence policy, and improve access to care. By driving innovation forward, Breakthrough T1D will make type 1 diabetes a condition of the past.
Our mission: Accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Our purpose: As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help make everyday life better for the people who face it.
We are helping Turn Type One into Type None.