Fund A Cure with Jane Garrison | Breakthrough T1D Jacksonville Gala 2026

About

Jane is a 19-year-old who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 10 years, after being diagnosed on March 9^th, 2016, just 5 days before her 9^th 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 not a 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.