Breakthrough T1D Grand Rapids Gala 2026

John Adams and his family became involved with what was then known as JDRF shortly after his son Andrew was diagnosed with Type 1 in 1991, at the age of 7. John and the family participated in walks in the Detroit area to support their local chapter. John joined the South- East Michigan Board in 2012 and after the move to western Michigan was on the West Michigan Board from 2013-2019.

Like all families battling Type 1, there were some frightening moments as young Andrew dealt with inevitable swings in blood glucose levels. They wanted help fast. Early in the development of the artificial pancreas, a local JDRF chapter director reached out to the family asking for a donation to support the program. They were motivated by its potential to significantly improve Andrew’s health in the near term, while they continued to hope for the ultimate goal—a cure. Although the closed-loop insulin delivery system took time to fully develop, Andrew eagerly adopted each advancement along the way. Without question, this investment—combined with Andrew’s determination and willingness to embrace new technology—has paid off.

For the past 35 years, Andrew has lived the daily battles of T1D and the constant challenge of managing blood sugars without a functioning pancreas. Through this effort, he has been able to maintain good control, with a recent endocrine telling him his control was among the best she would see this month. Andrew could not have done this without the advancements in diabetes technology, much of it funded by JDRF.

Andrew has also given back to the cause. He ran the Chicago marathon with his father and sister to raise money for T1D. More recently, Andrew worked closely with a company that developed nasal glucagon, putting together a 6-person team while attending Wharton for Healthcare Management to provide consulting support to the company. Andrew was also selected to the first Advisory Panel of PCORI, an organization created by the Affordable Care Act, where he helped guide funding for improving healthcare systems and advocated for diabetes research funding.

Andrew is extremely grateful to his family – for their direct support when he was a child, and for their ongoing dedication to JDRF and advancing diabetes research. has made to the T1D cause.

We are the Joyner family — John, Rebecca, and our three sons, John Jr., Beau, and Finn. Our journey with Type 1 diabetes began two days before Christmas, when Beau was diagnosed. It was an overwhelming and frightening time, especially with a long car trip planned just days later.

 From the very beginning, Breakthrough Type 1 has been a lifeline for our family. From Rufus the Bear, who brought comfort to Beau in those early days, to connections with clinical trials and online support groups — we’ve leaned on every resource they offer.

 Beau is an active, determined kid who enjoys Scouting and XC running, placing in the top 10 in the state for his conference last year. He has attended diabetes camp and even mastered how to manage his insulin and supplies during a week of rustic camping with his troop. He’s currently participating in a clinical trial at UMass Gen/Harvard, which we found through Breakthrough Type 1, and travels there several times a year to help advance research for a cure.

 Our oldest son, John Jr., was inspired to start the Run for Type 1 5K, which has raised over $10,000 for Breakthrough Type 1 over the past four years. Finn, our youngest, plays an important role in the day-to-day,  always ready to help Beau find a misplaced device or deliver a juice box when his blood sugar runs low. His care and teamwork show that managing diabetes truly takes a family effort.

 As parents working in education reform, John and Rebecca have seen firsthand the importance of strong school supports to help Beau manage his diabetes independently — while also ensuring that staff and teachers have the tools to understand and assist him.

 We’re proud of how our family has grown through this experience — stronger, more connected, and deeply grateful for the community that continues to support Beau and families like ours.

Carrie is a full-time professional benefit auctioneer with Hessney Auction Co. in the Finger Lakes region of New York, specializing in fundraising auctions throughout NYS and beyond. She is the 2023 NYS Auctioneer of the Year and the 2024 International Auctioneer champion 1st runner up. Her commitment to fostering positive change within her community strengthens her belief in the power of auctioning to make a difference!

Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards, and tight vocal harmonies, will keep your guests dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.