Breakthrough T1D Greater Orlando Gala 2024

Eleven years ago, our son Adriel was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We were enjoying our last few months as a family of three, before we welcomed another baby, when on August 19 our life changed forever. Adriel was only 18 months, was healthy to the eye, a happy toddler who loved playing outside, swimming and going to Disney.  T1D came with no notice. No family history. We had ZERO knowledge how this disease ‘works’. The day he got diagnosed, while at the doctors we had to give him his first shot of thousands. We had to learn about insulin, how to give injections, how to prick his fingers and toes to check his glucose levels, what to do with high and low blood sugars and how to deal with a toddler, who is just learning how to speak, to now keep alive- a battle no parent should ever face.

It’s amazing reflecting on the last eleven years, knowing how far we’ve come with T1D technology advancements. Lifesaving, quality-of-life-improving devices that monitor (and control) our son’s glucose levels. Six years ago, Adriel left behind getting five to six shots a day to wearing an insulin pump, thanks to research and progress. Today, insulin pumps are smarter than ever; they deliver insulin when blood glucose levels are too high and decreases/pauses the flow of insulin if the levels are too low. This has made Adriel’s life in sports so much easier so that he can focus on the game, verses passing out or not being able to focus on the mound or on the court.

Most of you have stood with us these last eleven years and, for that, we are forever grateful. We would like you to continue to join us in making a difference in the lives of the over 2,500 Orlando families and adults affected by T1D, including ours. We are excited and truly honored to be the honorees of 20^th Anniversary of the Orlando Breakthrough T1D Gala. The gala will be held on Saturday, November 2 at The Waldorf Astoria.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) was there for our family when we needed them – when our son Adriel was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. We continue to be united to support their mission: as we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help make everyday life better for the people who face it.

We are closer to a cure than ever before. Your financial help has gotten us this far and our hope is eleven years from now we won’t be asking for your help anymore, yet celebrating that a cure was found! Currently, we still have a long way to go before we turn type one into type none. We need your help to keep funding this critical research, if you cannot join us for the gala please consider donating to Fund A Cure (HERE). You’re not just making a contribution – you’re changing lives.

Thank you for standing with us in this battle to end T1D for our son,

Adrian & Annie Nuño
2024 Orlando Gala Honorees

The Serrano family story is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to family, community, and faith. Felix and Minerva have been married for 25 years, and they are both not just a dedicated husband and wife, but also hands-on parents, learning from their three children—Nicolas Anthony, Mateo Felipe, and Valentina Gianna—about the joys and challenges of parenting.

Professionally, Felix is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur, boasting over 30 years of experience leading multinational organizations. Reflecting on his career, Felix says, “The best of my career surrounds a theme of effecting change, unlocking people-potential, investing in curious minds, and paying it forward.” He attributes his successes and values to his Christian faith, which has been the guiding force in his personal and professional life.

Felix holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver, though he humorously admits it hasn’t improved his golf game. In 2018, Felix and his wife Minerva co-founded Activus Connect, a domestic, women, and minority-owned business specializing in Customer Management Outsourcing Services. After successfully exiting the company, the couple is now on sabbatical, reflecting on their journey and looking forward to the future.

Minerva, an executive leader in her own right, has over 26 years of experience in business and financial management. With a Master of Science in Finance, her career has been marked by strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to empowering others.

A decade ago, Minerva was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a challenge she continues to navigate. However, it wasn’t until close friends, who had become like family, faced the realities of type 1 diabetes (T1D) with their children that Minerva truly understood the far-reaching impact of this disease. “Managing diabetes impacts the entire family, and at moments, it can be frightening,” she reflects.

Three years ago, Felix and Minerva attended their first Breakthrough T1D Gala, determined to support the search for a cure and the advancement of diabetes therapies. What they found was not just a charity, but a community—a network of people coming together to support one another on this difficult journey. This year, Felix and Minerva hope to help Breakthrough T1D exceed its $1 million fundraising goal at the annual Gala.

Felix and Minerva’s story is one of love, leadership, faith, and a dedication to making the world a better place for future generations. They continue to invest their time and resources in causes close to their hearts, always guided by their faith, values and the desire to create meaningful change.