Breakthrough T1D San Diego and Hawaiʻi April Newsletter

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A monthly guide to what’s happening in your Breakthrough T1D Community

Last Chance for Tickets to the San Diego Gala

Get ready for a night to remember! Join us at the Breakthrough T1D San Diego Gala on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the breathtaking Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas for our most exciting Gala yet – making its North County debut with an elevated 80s-inspired vibe.

Enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific, a gourmet seated dinner, exclusive silent and live auctions, and inspiring mission moments – all leading up to an epic dance floor finale with live entertainment by BETAMAXX! Co-Chaired this year by Leslie Bercovitz and Tally Bercovitz, this is a party with purpose you won’t want to miss.

We are currently seeking family and corporate sponsors to support this incredible night! Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact and gather with our San Diego T1D community. Sponsor commitments are needed by March 1st for invitation inclusion and other marketing opportunities.

This is your chance to help shape an extraordinary evening, open doors for major partnerships, and leave a lasting legacy.

✨ Buy your tickets. Secure your sponsorship. Break out the neon. Because together, we won’t stop believing in a cure.

Question? Email Jen Haber.

National Volunteer Week is April 19-25

During this week, we will be celebrating the remarkable dedication of our volunteers.

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is Partnering for Innovation. Our volunteers power our movement and make type 1 diabetes (T1D) innovations possible through tireless advocacy, fundraising, and community-building. This partnership is the heart of our organization—it fuels our mission and inspires us each and every day!

From board members and event committees to office volunteers, advocacy leaders, and Youth Ambassadors, we thank you for your contributions of time, talent, and passion. Together, we are changing life with T1D and making everyday life better for the people who face it.

Thank you!

Help Us Transform Life with T1D

We are on a mission to power new breakthroughs in T1D research! Whether it’s spending a day out with your community at Breakthrough T1D Walk, an unforgettable evening at our annual Gala, golfing your way through 18 holes, or pedaling through the miles at a high-energy Ride, your commitment drives research, advocacy, and support to improve lives as we advance toward cures.

Registration is now open for all Breakthrough T1D Walks! Register your team today to join us for a Walk near you:

  • Temecula Valley Community Walk, May 30, 2026 | Temecula Promenade
  • San Diego Walk, Saturday, November 14, 2026 | NTC Park at Liberty Station

Registration is now open for all Walks!

We are also in the process of building Walk Committees to assist with these events and we need you. Contact Samantha Ecks Kearney if you are interested in joining

Ride Packages are still available!

It’s time for Breakthrough T1D Ride, where every pedal stroke powers research, advocacy, and support to improve lives until we find a cure! Breakthrough T1D Ride, 2026 will take place at 5 exciting locations throughout the country, or you can ride from anywhere with MyRide. Claim your spot at one of our upcoming Rides today! With coach-led, supportive training rides throughout the year, there’s no better time to find your Ride community.

Where will you ride? Register today!

For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Endurance opportunities, contact Judy Parra.

Join us In-Person or Online

The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit is a dynamic educational and networking event designed for everyone impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). From research updates and early screening insights to important conversations around mental health and daily management, this year’s program offers something for every stage of the T1D journey.

The San Diego Community Summit will take place on Saturday, May 16 at the Rady Education and Office Building.

We’re thrilled to welcome special guest speaker Brec Basinger. Brec is best known for her starring role on the DC Universe and The CW series, “Stargirl.” Born and raised in Saginaw, TX, she eventually ventured to Hollywood, where she landed a recurring role in “The Haunted Hathaways.” Other credits include Nickelodeon’s “Bella and the Bulldogs,” and “Liar, Liar, Vampire,” as well as “47 Meters Down,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines” and recurring roles in “School of Rock” and “The Goldbergs.”

This no-cost event is a meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and feel supported within the T1D community.

Registration is required—click below to learn more and reserve your spot.

Registration Here!

Other Upcoming Chapter Events

In Person Events

  • Adult T1D Community Meet Up: Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. – Pannikin Coffee & Tea, (510 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024). Adults with a T1D connection are invited to join our Breakthrough T1D Volunteer Host, Dani, and connect with our Adult T1D Community! This is a recurring event on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. RSVP Here.
  • Growing Together: T1D Parent & Tot Playgroup: Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m – Bonita Cove Playground (1100 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109). T1D parents, babies and toddlers are invited to join our Breakthrough T1D Host, Chelsee, and connect with our T1D Community to grow together! This is for parents that either have T1D, and have a baby or toddler, OR parents that have a baby or toddler with T1D. Or both! This is a recurring event on the first Saturday of the month. RSVP Here.
  • Da Boyz Pizza Giveback Day: Tuesday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. at Da Boyz Original Pizza & Pasta Italian Eatery (40477 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite d 4, Murrieta, CA 92563). Da Boyz Pizza is hosting a giveback day for us all day on April 14th! Stop any time and mention Breakthrough T1D at checkout and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to Breakthrough T1D. Learn More Here.
  • T1D Family Park Meet Up in Scripps Ranch: Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m. – Lakeview Park (10794 Mira Lago Terrace, San Diego, CA 92131). Join volunteer Kirsten and her son Oliver for a T1D Family Meet-Up in Scripps Ranch! Connect with other families, enjoy time together, and build community. Please bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a chair or blanket. An RSVP confirmation will be sent the week of the event. RSVP Here.
  • Bushfire Kitchen Giveback Day: Monday, April 27, 11 a.m. at Bushfire Kitchen Locations in Menifee and Temecula. Bushfire Kitchen is hosting a giveback day to support Breakthrough T1D! Just stop by either location and mention Breakthrough T1D and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to Breakthrough T1D San Diego and Hawai’i. Learn More Here.
  • South Bay Parent Coffee Chat – Wednesday, April 29, 6 p.m. at Starbucks inside the Chula Vista Shopping Center, (555 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910). Parents of kids with T1D and Adults with T1D are invited to join our volunteer host, Christina, and connect with our T1D Community. This is a recurring event on the last Wednesday of every month. RSVP Here.

Virtual Events

Written by: rspidell