Fund A Cure with the Eager Family | Breakthrough T1D Wisconsin Gala 2026

About The Eager Family

Dear Friends and Family,  

We are excited to share with you that our family is being honored at the Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) Madison Gala on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Monona Terrace.      

Our son Prentice, age 35, has lived with type 1 diabetes(T1D) since he was 8 years old. In 2024 our daughter Lydia was diagnosed at the age of 29. Incidentally, she biked 100 miles in Death Valley, CA, in honor of her brother, two months prior to her diagnosis. Lydia’s diagnosis hit us hard as we never expected a second child to be diagnosed.  We were reminded quickly of all the emotions and work that goes into a diagnosis and living with this exhausting disease 24/7.  Our third child, Anna, remains T1D free to this day.   

Breakthrough T1D’s mission is to better treat and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes.  When Prentice was diagnosed, he had to give himself multiple insulin shots per day and frequently test his blood sugar manually with a finger prick.  Now, both Lydia and Prentice wear a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) which gives them continuous blood sugar readings on their watch/phone. They both use an insulin pump that delivers insulin to their bodies. These two devices help keep our children alive every single day and helps us parents sleep (somewhat) peacefully. It’s remarkable to consider that were it not for the research and financial support from Breakthrough T1D; these devices might not exist today.   

Our family has been involved with JDRF/Breakthrough T1D since returning home from the hospital in 1999. It’s hard to put into words the constant worry, stress, and exhaustion involved in caring for someone with this disease.  We have formed walk teams, biked numerous century rides around the country, and attended galas while fundraising for better lives for those living with T1D. We are eternally grateful to those of you who have shown up and supported our family over the years.   

We would love you to join us in the ballroom. It will be an inspirational evening in support of diabetes research. We humbly ask you to join us in making an impact. This can take the form of purchasing individual tickets, hosting a table, donating an auction item, or making a Fund A cure contribution to Breakthrough T1D. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of every person who faces the daily challenges of T1D. We cannot do this alone, and we won’t stop until there’s a cure.   

With gratitude, 

The Steve and Amy Eager Family