Breakthrough T1D Orlando Imagine Gala 2026

Sherri Nickell has been a tireless advocate for the T1D community for nearly 30 years. Her involvement began when her oldest son, Sam, was diagnosed with T1D in 1999 at the age of 7. Now 34, he lives every day dependent on his lifeline: insulin. It’s 24/7/365. No days off.

Sherri, her husband Rod, and the rest of their family have been actively involved with the Breakthrough T1D community since their first walk in 2000, participating actively in annual walks and galas. In 2009, Sherri and Sam had the opportunity to participate in JDRF Children’s Congress and even personally met the late Mary Tyler Moore. She became more engaged in advocacy when she served on the Central Florida Board of Directors in the Government Relations role from 2010 to 2017. Professionally, Sherri has worked in the aerospace industry, primarily at Kennedy Space Center, for approximately 40 years. In fact, that’s where she met her husband, Rod. They say the rest is history!

Breakthrough T1D and its “part of the family” approach has had a huge impact on her and her family, and they are thrilled about the research and clinical trials currently being funded.

Sherri wants everyone to know that we are so close to a cure, and it’s of the utmost importance that we continue to hold these amazing Galas and other fundraising activities so that one day soon we can say we’ve “Turned Type One into Type None.”

Sherri is so thankful to be this year’s honoree and is excited about the challenge of surpassing last year’s Gala total of $1.1 million!

Click HERE to donate to Sherri’s Fund A Cure Campaign. 

Mike, Kate, Gavin and Giana Lombardo’s journey with Type 1 Diabetes began in the summer of 2021, just before Giana’s 5th birthday. When telltale symptoms of type 1 began to arise, Kate took her to the doctor where a simple blood test led to her diagnosis. While they were grateful to catch it early and avoid severe complications and hospitalization, the year that followed was one of the most challenging of their lives.

Early on, they found comfort and guidance through their connection with the Pape family, who understood their journey and helped welcome them into the T1D community. Through Breakthrough T1D, the Lombardos have found a true sense of belonging — building relationships, attending walks and galas, and holding onto hope through every research breakthrough.

Since 2021, Breakthrough T1D has played an incredibly meaningful role in their lives, providing connection, support, and hope for the future. Passionate about advancing cure therapies, the Lombardos believe strongly that progress is being made and that Giana will one day see a cure.

They have also welcomed a new member into their family, adorable Golden Retriever and Diabetes Alert Dog, Biscuits! This year, they are excited to attend the Gala surrounded by their village—raising critical funds, spreading awareness, and continuing the fight for a world without Type 1 Diabetes.

Gabriel, The Man Behind the Ask

Gabriel Séamus Butu is a charity auctioneer and fundraising consultant who understands one simple truth: when the room moves, the giving follows. He has energized gala audiences in over 50 cities across four continents, helping nonprofits raise more than $100 million through his dynamic, high-impact auction style.

Known for breaking records—including a Guinness World Record—Gabriel blends preparation, purpose, and performance to keep audiences engaged, entertained, and inspired to give. Expect high-energy moments, bold asks, and an unforgettable fundraising experience.

Billy Flanigan is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, where he received a BFA in Musical Theater. After graduation, Billy was hired by Walt Disney World, where he continues to perform today. Billy has been seen in such shows as Tarzan Rocks, Broadway at the Top, The Hoop Dee Doo Revue, and currently performs in the new Finding Nemo the Big Blue and Beyond.

Perhaps his claim to fame at Disney was when he played Barbie’s beau, Ken, in the Magical World of Barbie.

The big and small screens are no strangers to Billy as he has appeared in the feature film Dream Trap and television shows such as Superboy, Keenen and Kel, and HBO’s From The Earth To The Moon. Currently, you can see Billy on Prime Video in a documentary about his life, his 43-year career at Walt Disney World, and his Flanigram’s that came about during the pandemic in Billy Flanigan, The Happiest Man on Earth.

Billy’s sister heroically lost her battle to T1D several years ago. Billy also has two adult T1D children. His hope lies in Breakthrough T1D’s mission to make T1D a thing of the past.