Breakthrough T1D Jacksonville Gala 2026

Jane is a 19-year-old who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 10 years, after being diagnosed on March 9th, 2016, just 5 days before her 9th birthday. Her journey began with 3 days at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where the shock of this disease was difficult for her to wrap her head around. It shook her family and friends, but through their support and organizations like Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), she has been able to adjust and thrive in this new reality. The first people to help me feel secure when I was in the hospital were Breakthrough T1D. I received a stuffed bear named Rufus from the North Florida team, who taught me how and where to administer insulin injections and finger pricks. Suddenly, the whole process didn’t seem too daunting. The greatest gift they gave me, though, was a sense of community. That same spring, my family participated in the walk fundraiser. Seeing how many other people in Jacksonville and in my area also live and thrive with this disease put my whole life into perspective. Type one Diabetes unexpectedly taught me a lot about myself. It taught me about the importance of community, responsibility, patience, and resilience. With amazing innovations and research into a cure for type 1, so many strides have been made. But there still is no cure for this disease that so many people live with every second of every day. Jane is most excited to be involved in this year’s Gala to raise money and awareness to help impact the mission of bringing a life-changing cure to everyone living with T1D.

Gayle Simpson Garrison is a dedicated educator, community leader, and passionate advocate who has spent over two decades shaping young minds at St. Johns Country Day School, where she teaches history and government at the upper school level. With a background that spans education, nonprofit leadership, and alumni engagement, Gayle brings a wealth of experience in relationship-building, event planning, and mission-driven work.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gayle’s most meaningful role is as a mother to two incredible daughters, one of which has been living with type 1 diabetes for more than 10 years. This personal journey has fueled her compassion, resilience, and commitment to supporting families facing similar challenges.

A lifelong volunteer and leader in her community, Gayle has served with organizations such as Young Life for over 30 years and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Orange Park. She now brings her leadership, heart, and dedication to her role as Volunteer Gala Chair, where she is honored to support and advance the mission of the organization.

Aria Todd has been part of the Breakthrough T1D family for nearly two decades after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just seven years old. What began as a life-changing diagnosis has grown into a passion for giving back to the organization that has supported her journey and fueled hope for a future without T1D.

After serving as the 2025 Fund A Cure Champion, Aria is excited to continue her involvement as the 2026 Miracles Gala Auction Chair. In this role, she’s leading the effort to curate an exciting collection of one-of-a-kind experiences, exclusive packages, and memorable items that will inspire generosity and help raise critical funds for Breakthrough T1D’s mission.

Aria believes the auction is about more than incredible packages; it’s an opportunity to bring our community together, create unforgettable moments, and invest in life-changing research that improves lives today while driving us closer to cures for type 1 diabetes.

When she’s not working on this year’s auction, Aria enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring Jacksonville, and giving back to the community that has supported her every step of the way.

This November, Aria invites you to join her in making the 2026 Miracles Gala Auction the best one yet.

Dan Frey is a partner at the accounting firm PwC. He sits on the Breakthrough T1D Jacksonville Board and serves as the Corporate Development Chair for the Board. Dan also serves as the Corporate Chair for the Jacksonville Gala, helping to develop community partnerships in order to advance the Mission. Dan’s leadership involvement stems from one of his 3 daughters having type 1 diabetes, making the mission to find a cure of great importance to Dan, his wife Sandy, and their children.