For Claire Kosewic, the Breakthrough T1D Ride is more than a cycling event. It’s a personal challenge inspired by family and purpose.
Originally from San Francisco and now living in Nashville, Claire works as a Homeless Prevention Clinical Case Manager, assisting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult times. Service and community have always been central to who she is.
Claire’s father, Kevin Kosewic, has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since childhood. Growing up, Claire watched her family rally around him and the broader T1D community, supporting Breakthrough T1D through volunteering and fundraising.
“I joke that I’ve been involved with Breakthrough T1D since the womb,” Claire says. “My mom was probably stuffing envelopes for the local chapter while pregnant with me, and I grew up participating in the Walk and attending events.”
Claire was drawn to the Ride because she wanted a new challenge and a meaningful way to support her dad. Kevin had previously completed century rides after getting into cycling through a diabetes training camp. And together, they decided to take on the Ride with the NorCal Chapter team with a goal of cycling 70 miles side by side at the Amelia Island event in 2023.
Although Claire is a seasoned athlete, when she signed up for her first Ride, she was starting from scratch in one major way: she didn’t own a road bike and didn’t know how to ride one.
Now living in Nashville, she connected with the Breakthrough T1D Tennessee Chapter, which welcomed her into a supportive group of riders and coaches.
“I think I was incredibly lucky to be living here,” Claire says. “Without those folks, I would have had no idea what I was doing.”
Just before the event, a medical situation prevented Kevin from traveling, and suddenly Claire was heading to Florida alone, or so she thought.
Thanks to her mom, Maureen Kosewic, who has worked with Breakthrough T1D for years, Claire was connected with staff and riders in northern Florida. From the moment she arrived, she was surrounded by people who looked out for her.
“I didn’t ride alone a single mile. I was with someone the entire day. And at mile 59, I was thinking, you know, my dad and I were supposed to ride 70 miles together. I need to ride his miles too. And I thought, ‘I’m going for it! I’m going to do the whole 100.’ I did it! It was the longest I had ever ridden,” Claire says. “That’s the power of this community. There are people across the country riding for a cure everywhere you turn, if you let them in. It’s a magical experience.”
“That’s the power of this community. There are people across the country riding for a cure everywhere you turn, if you let them in. It’s a magical experience.” – Claire Kosewic
Claire returned to Amelia Island in 2024, once again planning to ride alongside her dad. But once again, an injury prevented Kevin from joining her at the event. Still, Claire showed up and leaned into the same community that had carried her before.
Then, in 2025, everything aligned. Kevin was finally able to join Claire at Amelia Island, and she set out to ride the full 100 miles.
“Knowing my dad was going to be waiting for me at the finish line kept me pedaling,” she adds. “When I crossed and he gave me a big hug, it was everything.”
Claire is also inspired by the groundbreaking research funded by Breakthrough T1D. She and her family fundraise by asking friends, colleagues, and neighbors to donate and by hosting an annual Bingo night at their San Francisco home. In 2025, Claire was a top fundraiser at the Amelia Island Ride, raising an impressive $21,830.
She’s quick to share advice with fellow riders.
“Don’t be afraid to ask,” she says. “The worst thing someone can say is no. And no doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. Keep sharing what Breakthrough T1D is doing. One no isn’t necessarily forever. And always check for corporate matching gifts!”
Claire also reminds us that no one has to train or ride alone.
“Your chapter will connect you with amazing coaches and training rides,” she says. “And you don’t have to ride 100 miles. Every mile matters. Showing up and fundraising is what’s important.”
Thank you, Claire, for riding, fundraising, and showing us the power of community.
Join Claire and riders across the country at one of our beautiful Breakthrough T1D Ride destinations this year. Visit Ride.BreakthroughT1D.org to learn more and sign up.