Fund A Cure with Karen Swierski | Breakthrough T1D Buffalo Gala 2026

A Message from Karen

Where do I start?

25 years ago I began working for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) with very little knowledge about T1D. I quickly learned about the havoc it could wreak on lives, the pain and anguish it could cause, and the incessant worry T1D caused to parents and loved ones.

But I also learned about the incredible strength, passion and commitment these children and adults, their families and the volunteers who support our mission have. I saw resilience, and determination and a refusal to let this disease own their lives. I saw parents who have dealt with T1D reach out to newly diagnosed families and offer them hope and a shoulder to lean on, and the resources they would need to fight through.

My commitment to Breakthrough T1D remains strong. The unwavering support our chapter received from our families, board members, my staff, our volunteers and the community at large as they supported our cause allowed us to raise over $32 million for research and connected a network of hundreds of families to an organization dedicated to helping manage and ultimately cure this disease. The walks, galas, golf tournaments and other events not only raised money but they forged an unbreakable connection for our families – and made us all stronger.

Recently, long time friends of mine with an adult son living with T1D for 35 years learned that their 6 year-old grandson was just diagnosed with T1D. I told them that I would always be here for them, and I hope all of you will be, too. Let’s end this and find a cure for T1D.

I would be honored if you would consider a donation to my Fund a Cure effort so that we no longer have to hear the diagnosis: “You have T1D.” The research being conducted by Breakthrough T1D is incredible. It takes a village and we have one. But our job is not over. Please join me in supporting our research and our mission.