The F. M. Kirby Foundation is honored to celebrate over 15 years of support of Breakthrough T1D, which was founded in 1970 by families whose loved ones had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This nonprofit strives to open doors that were once closed by a T1D diagnosis, leading the way to more effective solutions by connecting the brightest minds to advance treatments, influence policy, and improve access to care. By driving innovation forward, Breakthrough T1D will make type 1 diabetes a condition of the past. In pursuit of these goals, Breakthrough T1D has played a critical role in every single T1D milestone, including how HbA1c came to be, automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and Tzield, the first therapy approved to prevent, slow, halt, or reverse T1D progression.
Breakthrough T1D offers extensive resources for all families impacted by T1D, from people newly diagnosed with the disease to those who have been living with it for decades. Supporting children, teens, and adults, the organization encourages people to take action: become a Breakthrough T1D advocate, participate in clinical trials, share personal stories and find community, volunteer with a local Chapter, and join fundraising events such as walks, rides, runs, and galas.
In addition to this incredible network of support, Breakthrough T1D is also on the forefront of research, advocacy, and medical affairs efforts — all with the goal of accelerating breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and better treat T1D and its complications. Founded to cure T1D, the organization focuses its cures work on early detection, disease-modifying therapies, and cell therapies. In some places, the research is so deep and so rich that it warrants special focus by specialized, cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional teams: the Breakthrough T1D Centers of Excellence. These Centers are a new research model charged with accelerating T1D science to cure T1D and improve the lives of everyone impacted by the disease. Until cures are broadly available, Breakthrough T1D recognizes that people with T1D need improved access to and adoption of treatments and devices to better manage T1D and prevent complications. To this end, the organization also advocates for insulin affordability and accelerating access to new and developing breakthroughs, such as advanced T1D management devices and therapies to help better manage blood sugar.
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is grateful to support and highlight Breakthrough T1D’s life-changing mission, research, advocacy, and medical affairs efforts. We are deeply inspired by its dedication to ensuring that everyone impacted by T1D around the world is supported and cared for every step of the way while researchers, advocates, and healthcare professionals work together to drive toward cures while making everyday life with T1D better for the people who face it.
