On November 15, 2024, Breakthrough T1D Upstate New York hosted their annual Breakthrough T1D Capital Region Gala at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, NY. Community & business leaders in the Capital Region of NY came together to support  our mission to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.

 

The night began with a cocktail reception and exceptional silent auction. Attendees bid on an array of items such as designer accessories, one-of-a-kind local experiences, handmade goods, and more to help raise money for Breakthrough T1D.

 

 

Honoring Jeffrey Levy

At the Gala, Breakthrough T1D honored Jeffrey Levy, Chief Banking Officer and Senior VP at Community Bank, N.A. During his speech, he shared, “I have been a community banker for over 40 years, and one of the benefits to the career I have had is the opportunity to be in leadership roles and fundraising efforts to support mission driven organizations such as Breakthrough T1D.

“So, tonight is not about me, it is recognition of the entire Capital Region’s banking community for its financial support, but more importantly, their commitment to volunteerism, and the wonderful opportunity our industry provides us to give something back to our community.”

Fund A Cure

As this year’s Fund A Cure presenter, Tracy Lewis shared the story of her family being affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D) through the generations. Her husband, Randy, was diagnosed with T1D in his 30s, and their lives were forever changed. She and Randy recalled the difficulty of learning to manage T1D during his first year after diagnosis, and the “helplessness [they] felt struggling with highs so high it would leave [Randy] drained, or lows so low, [Tracy] would find him flat out on the floor.” Randy described getting on an insulin pump the next year as a “godsend.”

Years later, their daughter, Sydnie, and son, Eric, would be diagnosed as adults, and their family had to adjust to life with 3 family members managing T1D. Randy shared that he hopes to be an example for his children that T1D need not hold them back from anything in life.

Knowing there is an increased risk of developing T1D when an immediate family member has the condition, Eric decided to have his 3-year-old daughter screened for T1D. She recently tested positive for 1 biomarker that indicates she could develop T1D in her lifetime. However, the Lewises are optimistic about her outcomes and future because of the breakthroughs being funded by Breakthrough T1D.

Thank you to our Gala Partners & Committee Members!

By the end of the night, the Capital Region community had raised over $540,000 for Breakthrough T1D Upstate New York. This event would not have been possible without out sponsors and dedicated Committee members and volunteers.

 

Thank you,

Gala Co-Chairs: Laura J. Caponera & Mallory Massry

Gala Corporate Chair: Richard A. Rosen

Gala Corporate Committee: Jeffrey Levy (Community Bank, N.A.), David Bauer (Gallagher), Chris Denisulk (Graypoint LLC), Vladimir Goykhman (RedMark Realty), Tom Hoffman Jr. (Hoffman Development), Michael Hover (Troy’s Landscape Supply Co.), Tracy Lewis (Glennpeter Jewelers), Angelo Mazzone (Founder, Mazzone Hospitality), John J. Nigro (Nigro Retial Properties), Jason O’Malley (Anthem Blue Cross), & Fran O’Rourke (KeyBank)

Presenting Partner: Community Financial System, Inc.

Platinum Partners: Albany Med Health System, Goldstein Auto Group, GT Toyz, Hoffman Car Wash, Mrs. Nancy E. Roth

Gold Partners: Anthem Blue Cross, BBL, Columbia Development Companies, The Caponera Law Firm P.C., Graypoint, KeyBank, Glennpeter Jewelers, Nigro Retail Properties, Tri City Rentals

Silver Partners: The Bone & Joint Center, Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse, Gallagher

Bronze Partners: Matthew & Kristen Esler, Glen Sanders Mansion, Kneller Insurance Agency, Angelo & Mary Mazzone, Nolan Heller Kauffman LLP, Ostroff Associates, Inc., Sanofi, Troy’s Landscape Supply Co., United Group of Companies