Breakthrough T1D 53rd Annual New York City Promise Gala

Este Haim is a Grammy-nominated musician, composer, actor, and writer. In 2007, Este and her sisters, Danielle and Alana, founded HAIM, their all-female rock band in which Este sings and plays bass. HAIM made history in 2021 as the first all-female rock group to be nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year with their third album, Women in Music Pt. III.

At 14, Este was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after experiencing symptoms and eventually passing out in the middle of a mall. Although she was told that her chronic autoimmune condition would prevent her from pursuing her dreams of a music career, Este took her parents’ encouraging words to heart: “You listen to your doctor when it comes to medical advice, but when it comes to life advice, you listen to yourself, and you do everything you can to make your dreams come true.”

In 2021, Este scored the critically acclaimed Netflix limited series Maid, starring Margaret Qualley. She also completed the score for her first feature film, Cha Cha Real Smooth, starring Dakota Johnson, alongside her composing partner, Christopher Stracey. The film premiered to acclaim at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and received a Grand Jury Prize nomination. In 2023, she served as Executive Music Producer and Song Producer for the Disney+ series A Small Light, collaborating with artists including Sharon Van Etten, Orville Peck, King Princess, Moses Sumney, Kamasi Washington, and her sister Danielle Haim. More recently, she scored Netflix’s You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, with co-composer Amanda Yamate, and Searchlight Pictures’ Suncoast, again with Christopher Stracey.

Additionally, Este made her feature film acting debut in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza and most recently appeared in Shell alongside Elisabeth Moss and Kate Hudson. Most recently, Este scored Netflix’s Voicemails for Isabelle with Amanda Yamate and starred in and scored Universal Pictures’ One Night Only with Christopher Stracey. Most recently, Este scored Netflix’s Voicemails For Isabelle with Amanda Yamate and starred in and scored Universal Pictures’ One Night Only with Christopher Stracey.

Peter Hill’s connection to type 1 diabetes (T1D) is personal. His wife, Patti, and their adult daughter, Sheila, who was diagnosed with T1D in 2019, along with a sister-in-law and a niece are the driving force behind his dedication to the cause.

Peter is Senior Managing Director of Ramirez & Co., where he has worked since 2023. He is Past President of the New York City Chapter Board of Breakthrough T1D and is a T1D Fund donor and BETA Society member, supporting the research and innovation at the heart of Breakthrough T1D’s mission.

Peter has collectively raised more than $500,000 for Breakthrough T1D’s Run, and this November will mark his 19th marathon.

Breakthrough T1D is proud to recognize Peter Hill as the Humanitarian of the Year at the 53rd Annual NYC Promise Gala, honoring his steadfast leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to a future without T1D.

Marc Simpson has been living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for almost 30 years, and in that time, he has never let it slow him down. Marc, his wife Jillian, and their three children have long been dedicated supporters of organizations and schools throughout the New York community, and the family has participated in numerous Breakthrough T1D programs and events over the years.

This year marks a special milestone, as Marc will share his story publicly for the first time — joining so many others in our community who have found strength in speaking openly about life with T1D.

An accomplished athlete, Marc has completed more than 10 marathons while managing T1D — a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t define what’s possible. Through his story, Marc hopes to inspire the next generation to know that T1D doesn’t have to hold them back.

Breakthrough T1D is proud to celebrate the Simpson family and their continued commitment to a future without T1D.

Will Busconi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 8; he is now 16. The Busconi family, who live on Long Island, first connected with Breakthrough T1D through a volunteer and has been engaged with the New York City Chapter ever since — including serving on the Promise Gala Committee.

Since his diagnosis, Will has been an advocate for life with T1D, demonstrating strength and leadership through his own experiences. This year, he will join us as the Gala’s featured storyteller, offering guests a look into a day in the life of a teenager, athlete, and son managing T1D while away at boarding school.

Martha Busconi has been a driving force behind the family’s fundraising, lending her support to events such as Veronica Beard and Walkaritas.

Breakthrough T1D is proud to celebrate the Busconi family and their continued commitment to a future without T1D.