April 18-24 was National Volunteer Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize a few of our many amazing Wisconsin volunteers.
We chose to recognize Jeanne Grist as our Breakthrough T1D Wisconsin 2021 Community Volunteer Award nominee during National Volunteer Week! Jeanne is an “all hands on deck” volunteer who gets involved with almost all of our programs. When we asked Jeanne what made her stay so involved, she said this:
“I volunteer at Breakthrough T1D because it is committed to finding a cure and help those who are touched by Type One Diabetes. Almost 20 years ago, our son was diagnosed with Type One and the Breakthrough T1D community has been a wonderful resource of information, opportunities and a big family of friends to share the Breakthrough T1D passion. I have enjoyed raising money through walks, bike rides, runs, galas and other events knowing that the dollars raised will support vital research. I am also dedicated to supporting others through outreach programs such as mentoring and listening to family members struggling to manage this disease. I believe we are stronger together as a community and Breakthrough T1D is a silver lining to being touched by the disease. I remain hopeful for a cure soon!”
Jim Kabara, our Advocacy Team Chair (ATC) in the Milwaukee region, was recently recognized as the “Rookie of the Year” by the Breakthrough T1D Advocacy team. We want to thank Jim for his work, and share the kind words that led to his award:
Jim came into his ATC role in an extraordinary time. Like many ATCs, he came along just before COVID hit, so he did not have the benefit of experiencing an in person Government Day, New Member Campaign or Promise Campaign. Also, Jim took on the ATC role and made it his priority to improve communication between the Chapter and Breakthrough T1D Advocacy. Jim developed a strong and fruitful bond based on communication and trust with the Chapter and jumped into every campaign and advocacy opportunity when it presented himself. He has been flexible, nimble and willing to do whatever it takes to continue to push our Advocacy agenda forward. His Chapter continues to remain a strong Advocacy champion because of Jim’s leadership at the Chapter level. In extraordinary times, Jim has stepped up in extraordinary ways and truly deserves to be named Rookie of the Year.
Our other Wisconsin ATCs, Sarah Meidl and Joanne Rash were nominated for ATC awards as well, and we are so grateful for the extraordinary efforts they’ve made this year.
Thank you Jim, Jeanne, Joanne, Sarah, and all of our other volunteers!
