As we look back on 2024, it’s clear that this year has been nothing short of remarkable for Breakthrough T1D. From our new name to record-breaking fundraising events and new community initiatives, our team has worked tirelessly to make a real difference for the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community. This blog post highlights the key events and milestones that made this year special, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing community, volunteers, and donors.

January – A Fresh Start and a Return of the Central PA Summit

We kicked off 2024 with the Return of Summit at Hershey Lodge, which attracted over 300 participants. This event set the tone for the year, bringing together individuals from all over the community to connect and learn within the T1D Community. Some of our T1D kiddos came together to create the Kids Created piece for the Central PA Gala. Later in the month, the Hoops for Heroes event at York College gathered 30 attendees for a fun, community-building experience that raised awareness and funds for T1D.

February – Expanding Our Reach and Knowledge

February was a month of growth and learning. We welcomed Tammy Renzelli as the new Community Engagement Manager for West Virginia, bringing Breakthrough T1D back to the state. Our chapter also attended the PASNAP Conference, continuing to raise awareness among healthcare professionals.

March – Spring into Education and Fun

In the Western PA region, we hosted two Research Updates, sharing the latest advancements in T1D detection, prevention, and cure research. These updates were vital in emphasizing the need for continued funding and research. Our Annual Research Update was at UPMC Center for Connected Medicine and featured Dr. Nicholas Mamrak of our national research department. We also held a presentation on Clinical Trials and Screening with Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, our keynote at the Pittsburgh Summit. The Summit drew nearly 300 community members to discuss and promote T1D advocacy. In addition, our Hershey Bears Game event brought together over 200 attendees, offering a fun way for the T1D community to connect.

April – Cheers to a Cure: The Breakthrough T1D Promise Gala

April was marked by one of the biggest highlights of the year: the Pittsburgh Breakthrough T1D Promise Gala, which raised an astonishing $1.77 million. With over 600 guests in attendance, the event was a resounding success, thanks to the hard work of two strong committees and more than 30 volunteers who helped make the evening unforgettable.

 

May – Running for a Cause and Gala Returning to Central PA

May saw our community lacing up their running shoes for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend, where 102 Breakthrough T1D runners raised $22,000 for the cause. Additionally, we celebrated the return of the Central PA Gala at the Lancaster Marriott, which attracted nearly 300 guests and raised over $450,000 in its first year back in-person since 2019.

June – Family Fun and More Community Engagement

Summer began with our most exciting change yet: JDRF rebranded to Breakthrough T1D!

We hosted the Inaugural Pittsburgh T1D Friends and Family Picnic, bringing together 200 community members for an afternoon of fun and connection. Central PA also saw its own picnic, drawing 150 attendees, while we held two new baseball events in State College and Altoona, each with around 30 attendees.

July – Kicking Off Summer with Fun and Fundraising

July was an exciting month of family-friendly events. We hosted our Breakthrough T1D Walk Kickoff at the Pittsburgh Zoo, which attracted 180 attendees. In Morgantown, WV, we held our first-ever Friends and Family Picnic, and the Family Fun Ride had 30+ participants. Our Splash Party at the Millersville Lions Club Pool raised $2,000, while the Summer Golf Classic in Latrobe raised over $166,000 with 116 golfers and 17 volunteers.

August – Record-Breaking Fundraisers and Community Walks

In August, WVU Medicine hosted a Community Walk in Morgantown, raising a record $115,000. Thank you to our Community Walk Lead in WV, Emily Smaniotto! The Blairsville Eagles Club Motorcycle Run also raised an impressive $15,000 for Breakthrough T1D. In addition, we gathered 175 attendees at the York Revolution Baseball Game, further strengthening our community ties.

September – September Socials

September marked a change within the Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC). As John Eames moved on to new ventures, a recruitment drive for new leadership was launched. The ELC continues to engage young T1D professionals (ages 21-40) in both social and professional settings, with a focus on creating lasting connections and support.

Central PA Adult T1D meetups kicked off, providing fun, entertaining, and welcoming opportunities monthly throughout the region for adults living with T1D to connect, share experiences, and simply enjoy time with a community that “gets it”!

October – Harrisburg Walk and a new Community Summit

October was filled with key events. On the 20th, we hosted our Harrisburg Walk at Adams-Ricci Park, with over 650 attendees and a fundraising total close to $300,000. Then on the 26th, we held our first Community Summit at the Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown, expanding our outreach and engagement across regions.

November – A Walk for the Community and a Strong Finish

 

 

The Pittsburgh Breakthrough T1D Walk at Acrisure Stadium was a monumental event in November, with over 2,000 walkers helping us raise over $500,000. This event brought together families and supporters, all united in the fight against T1D.

December – New Beginnings and Youth Engagement

In December, we participated in the Bridgeport, WV Light Up Night for the first time, spreading T1D awareness and building relationships with new communities. We also launched a refreshed Youth Ambassador Program, encouraging youth with T1D (ages 5-18) to apply for a chance to participate in activities that will connect them with peers in the T1D community in 2025.

 

A Year in Review – Progress and Support for T1D Families

In addition to the events mentioned above, we distributed 744 Newly Diagnosed Resources to families, including 238 Bags of Hope, 151 Teen Packs, and 355 Adult Packs. Our ride team also biked their way to $60,000 from 16 riders, including three virtual participants, as part of our ongoing efforts to support those impacted by T1D.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the successes of 2024, we remain focused on continuing to provide support, education, and advocacy for the T1D community. Our events and fundraising efforts this year have shown just how powerful and connected our community is. Whether you have been a supporter since we were the JDF to only discovering us as Breakthrough T1D, we couldn’t be more grateful for your support and look forward to another year of breakthroughs, progress, and hope.

Thank you for being part of our journey!

Stay connected with Breakthrough T1D to learn more about our upcoming events and initiatives in 2025!