The Pate family is excited to be a part of the Breakthrough T1D Party with a Purpose Gala team for 2025. We are incredibly honored to share our personal story, as the Fund-A-Cure family, to help raise awareness regarding Type One Diabetes and the need for a cure.

My journey with this chronic disease started 34 years ago, when I (Jillian) was diagnosed at 18 months old. I do not know a day without counting carbs, checking my blood sugar, or calculating insulin dosages. But throughout the three decades, I have personally seen how funding for diabetes research has advanced both insulin management and blood glucose control in drastic ways. It has increased my quality of life now and will most definitely add years to my life in the future – but it is still not a cure.

My family has grown up supporting T1D research through fundraising, diabetes walks, and galas. “Feet Meet to Defeat Diabetes” and “Moffetts on a Mission” were two of our walk t-shirt slogans that many of our friends remember to this day. We are so grateful for the support we have received from friends and family throughout the seasons of my life with this chronic illness. We look forward to celebrating with each of you this year at the Party for a Purpose as we continue to raise funds for diabetes research.

In the past 3 years, I have unfortunately had to navigate a new normal due to complications from T1D. Living with impaired vision for the rest of my life has increased the urgency to find a cure. The longer I live with the disease, the higher chance I have to experience life-altering complications.

There isn’t a moment that goes by that diabetes isn’t on my mind. It is all-consuming and never-ending, and our hope is that our children won’t have to face the same diagnosis without a cure. With your help, it is achievable! We look forward to supporting a cause with you that is so near and dear to our hearts. We hope to see you on March 1st, 2025.