Breakthrough T1D Kicks Off Fall Walks to Celebrate Community and Raise Funds for Type 1 Diabetes Research

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, has kicked off a series of Breakthrough T1D Walks across the country, continuing throughout the fall, to bring the community together and raise awareness and funds for critical T1D research. Breakthrough T1D Walk is a nationwide movement where thousands rally to transform the future for those with T1D. It is the largest global event for the T1D community, driving research, advocacy, and support to improve lives while funding cures research.

A fundamental component of Breakthrough T1D Walk is the leadership of National Series sponsors, Ford Motor Company and SanMar. These sponsors help empower communities and play a crucial role in ensuring the growth and success of each local Walk event by driving registration, fundraising, and awareness efforts.

Ford Motor Company has served as a Breakthrough T1D Walk National Series sponsor for decades, under the leadership of Edsel B. Ford II, whose son has lived with T1D for more than 25 years. Since forming the Ford Global Action Team for Breakthrough T1D in 1998, the company has raised over $85 million for T1D research.

"Breakthrough T1D is profoundly grateful for Ford Motor Company's leadership and steadfast commitment to our mission, Breakthrough T1D Walk, and the entire type 1 diabetes community," said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. "The employee-driven Ford Global Action Team has set a high bar, demonstrating the tremendous impact that can be achieved when employees are empowered to give back to the community and put their company's values into action. The organization has played an essential role in driving the breakthroughs that are improving the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes. We wouldn't be where we are today on our journey toward cures for type 1 diabetes without the contributions of Ford Motor Company."

"An important part of working at Ford Motor Company is knowing and supporting worthwhile causes. It's part of our culture. For Ford, that means Breakthrough T1D. I am proud of the role that Ford Motor Company plays in helping Breakthrough T1D improve the lives of all of those living with T1D, like my son, Albert," said Edsel B. Ford II. "All of us at Ford remain committed to Breakthrough T1D, and our efforts will continue until together, we turn type one into type none. To quote my great-grandfather, Henry Ford, 'To do more for the world than the world does for you – that is success.'"

With over 120 Breakthrough T1D Walks across the country, the events bring together individuals, families, teams, organizations, and national sponsors to walk and raise critical funds that accelerate Breakthrough T1D's mission. Those interested can engage with a Breakthrough T1D Walk through fundraising and participation, locally and virtually. All are invited to learn more and register for a Breakthrough T1D Walk at BreakthroughT1D.org/Walk.

About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition. 

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) 
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D. 

Contact:
Casey Fielder
509-651-0087
media@BreakthroughT1D.org

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SOURCE Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF