Exciting news! The Southern California Chapter is now becoming the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Orange County, and San Diego and Hawaiʻi Chapters. To learn about events in other Chapters in Southern California and Hawaiʻi, visit the Greater Los Angeles Chapter or the Greater Orange County Chapter websites.
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.
Breakthrough T1D Walk
Join us for a Breakthrough T1D Walk in your community, where every step drives research, advocacy, and support to improve lives as we advance toward cures. These fun, family-friendly events welcome participants of all ages and abilities to raise T1D awareness and move us closer to a world without T1D.
- Temecula Valley Community Walk, May 30, 2026 | Temecula Promenade
- Registration is open, so sign up your team today!
- We are also in the process of building a Walk Committee to assist with this event and we need you. Contact Samantha Ecks Kearney if you are interested in joining!
- San Diego Walk, SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, November 14, 2026 | NTC Park at Liberty Station
- Registration will open Spring 2026.
Breakthrough T1D Endurance
Ride
Join us for the Breakthrough T1D Ride, where every pedal stroke powers research, advocacy, and support to improve lives until we find a cure. This inspiring, high-energy event welcomes cyclists of all skill levels to raise T1D awareness and accelerate our journey to a world without T1D. We are excited to announce the 2026 Ride destinations!
- La Crosse, WI: August 13-16, 2026
- The Cascades, WA: August 27-30, 2026
- Cape Cod, MA: September 24-27, 2026Austin, TX:
- October 27-November 1, 2026
- Amelia Island, FL: December 3-6, 2026
- MY RIDE: Your Ride, Your Way, Your Day
Where will you ride? Register today!
For questions or more information about Breakthrough T1D Endurance opportunities, contact Judy Parra.
Breakthrough T1D Community Engagement
Breakthrough T1D Community Summits are an educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). They will bring our community together to learn from T1D experts, hear about the latest breakthroughs in T1D research, meet vendor exhibitors, connect with others impacted by T1D, and more.
Save the Date! The San Diego Community Summit will take place on Saturday, May 16 at the Rady Education and Office Building. Registration details will be available soon!
As we look ahead to the New Year, we’re forming Community Engagement Committees across several regions. If you’re passionate about bringing people together, supporting event planning, or helping strengthen our healthcare partnerships, we’d be thrilled to have you involved!
Upcoming Chapter Events
In Person Events
San Diego
- Growing Together: T1D Parent & Tot Playgroup – Saturday, February 7, 11am-12pm at Westfield UTC La Jolla – Playground (4353 La Jolla Village Drive). 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 each month. RSVP Here.
- South Bay Parent Coffee Chat – Wednesday, February 25, 6 pm 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.
- Spring Fun with Rufus – Saturday, March 14, 9-11am the Rady Children’s Hospital Education Office Building (7960 Birmingham Drive). This is a family friendly event. There will be fall themed crafts and activities, t-shirt decorating for Rufus, along with T1D resources and information! Bring your Rufus, or other medium sized stuffed bear, and join us to meet your Breakthrough T1D Community at Rady Children’s Hospital Education Building! Light snacks will be provided. RSVP Here.
Hawaiʻi
- T1D Winter Walk and Talk – Hawaiʻi: Saturday, February 21, 8 a.m. HST at Ala Moana Beach (1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu). Join your Breakthrough T1D Community to stroll, chat, and connect in a relaxed, welcoming moment right by the water. RSVP Here.
Temecula Valley/Inland Empire
- Community Teen & Tween Bowling Meet-Up – Murietta: Thursday, February 19, 5 p.m. at the Bowlero Murrieta (40440 California Oaks Road). Join other T1D Teens/Tweens for this Volunteer hosted Meet-Up. RSVP Here.
- Coffee Meet-Up – Temecula: Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. at The Press Espresso (29601 Old Town Front Street). Join us for a coffee and a chat! We would love to connect with you! RSVP Here.
- Spring Fest – Temecula: Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m. at Maurice Car’rie Winery (34225 Rancho California Road). This is a family friendly event where you will get an opportunity to learn more about our Temecula Valley Walk happening in May, learn more about Breakthrough T1D research and meet your Breakthrough T1D Community! 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.