A monthly guide to what’s happening in your Breakthrough T1D Community
RSVP for the San Diego Community Summit, Featuring Brec Bassinger
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.
Breakthrough T1D Community Summit: San Diego
When: Saturday, May 16 | 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: Rady Education Office Building, 7960 Birmingham Dr., San Diego, CA, 92123
We’re also thrilled to welcome special guest speaker Brec Basinger. Brec was diagnosed with T1D when she was eight years old and 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 is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required—please RSVP here to reserve your spot.
Thank You for Supporting the Don’t Stop Believing Gala
On Saturday, April 25th, the Breakthrough T1D San Diego community came together for an unforgettable evening at the stunning oceanfront setting of the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas for our Don’t Stop Believing Gala.
The night was a powerful celebration of progress, purpose, and the unwavering commitment to creating a world without type 1 diabetes.
Guests were welcomed with a lively cocktail hour overlooking the Pacific, followed by an inspiring program that highlighted the impact of Breakthrough T1D’s research and the strength of our local community. Our Youth Ambassadors shared their personal stories, reminding us all why this work matters so deeply.
A true highlight of the night was our Fund A Cure moment, where guests came together in a powerful show of support – raising critical funds that go directly toward life-changing research. This collective generosity is what fuels breakthroughs and brings us closer to cures.
We are deeply grateful to our Gala Co-Chairs, Leslie Bercovitz and Tally Bercovitz, whose leadership and vision made this evening possible, as well as to our sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers who brought every detail to life. The celebration continued late into the evening with high-energy entertainment by BETAMAXX, keeping the dance floor packed and the spirit alive.
Because of this extraordinary community, we are accelerating toward a future where curing type 1 diabetes is within reach. Thank you for believing in breakthroughs.
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 | Promenade Temecula
- 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.
Tickets are now available for the Second Annual Tee It Up for Type 1 Diabetes Golf Tournament, which will return to Lomas Santa Fe Country Club on Monday, October 19.
Registration is open, so reserve your spot today!
For sponsorship opportunities, or to join our committee chaired by Adrienne Cipparone, Brenda Daly, and Matt Tranchina, please contact Jen Haber.
Breakthrough T1D Advocates Convened in Washington, D.C. for 2026 Government Day
Breakthrough T1D 2026 Government Day brought together motivated
Advocates from all 50 states to convene in Washington, D.C., where they held nearly 500 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff in the U.S. House and Senate, sharing their personal stories of life with T1D, championing our top legislative priorities, and doing all they could to ensure that the collective voice of the T1D community was heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill.
Breakthrough T1D Advocates had a few specific asks for Congress, which we believe will have the biggest impact on our ability to achieve our mission.
- Support for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP)
- Protect Critical Funding for the NIH and FDA that Support T1D Research and Cures
- Accelerate Cell Therapies
- Advance Insulin Affordability For All
Other highlights of this event included the presentation of the Mary Tyler Moore Award to Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar of Udaipur, India and the Congressional Legacy Award to Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH).
Breakthrough T1D is tremendously thankful to the hundreds of advocates who came to Washington, D.C., to make this event possible and impactful.
Special thanks to the San Diego and Hawai’i Chapter Advocacy Team Chair, Randy Wussler along with Berkeley Banett for your efforts during this event! Learn more and get involved by becoming a Breakthrough T1D Advocate.
Join us In-Person or Online
In Person Events
- South Bay Parent Coffee Chat – Wednesday, May 27, 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.
- Adult T1D Community Meet Up – Adults with T1D and Parents of T1D Kids – Saturday, June une 6, 9 a.m at Pannikin Coffee & Tea (510 North Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024). dults with a T1D connection are invited to join our Breakthrough T1D Volunteer Host, Dani, and connect with our Adult T1D Community! This is for adults with T1D, parents of kids with T1D, adult partners of a partner with T1D! RSVP Here.
Virtual Events
- Virtual Community Summit – Breakthrough T1D’s Community Summits offer virtual educational sessions four times a year, to help you and your loved ones live well with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Register here.
- E-Meet & Greets: Monthly Zoom Meetups – Rotating Wednesdays, 12pm.
- Reunión Virtual Para Adultos y Familias con Diabetes Tipo 1 en Español – Aprende más aquí.
- T1D Teen Connect Monthly Meetup – Third Wednesdays, 5-6pm. Register here.
- Ask the Therapist Monthly – Fourth Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm. Register here.
- Virtual Parent Meetup – First Thursdays, 6pm. Register here.
- Newly Diagnosed Ask the Endocrinologist – Third Wednesdays, 8-9am. Register here.
- T1D Dads Barbershop Talk – Every 3 months on the 2nd Friday of the month, 12-1pm. Register here.
- T1D Partner Support Group – Last Tuesday, every 3 months, 6-7pm. Register here.