Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF)
About Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)
Breakthrough T1D™ is the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. We are creating a movement to improve and change life with T1D, advancing breakthroughs on the way to cure the condition. No organization does more to improve everyday life with T1D—from driving millions of dollars of global investment in therapy development and access to advancing research, advocacy, and community support.
Our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure T1D and its complications. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help make everyday life better for the people who face it.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults, and its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. People with T1D depend on external insulin, via injection or infusion with an insulin pump, to survive. There are no cures. Breakthrough T1D is working to change that.
Programs & Services Offered
Programs:
Breakthrough T1D™Advocacy is critical to advancing breakthroughs for the entire T1D community. With the support of our grassroots advocates, our work helps advance treatments, fluence policy, and improve access to care for those all over the world who need it.
Breakthrough T1D™Teen and Adult Packs: Designed for teens and adults and their families. The packs feature tools and information to educate, support, and inspire teens and adults with T1D.
Breakthrough T1D™ Bag of Hope®: When a child receives a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), it can be an overwhelming time for both the child and their family. As they navigate this challenging period of adjustment to life with T1D, the Breakthrough T1D Bag of Hope™ provides helpful information and useful resources. Along with educational materials, the bag includes a special friend— Rufus the Bear with Diabetes Powered by Breakthrough T1D™—to show children they are not alone while learning to take insulin and test their blood sugar.
Breakthrough T1D™Community Summits and Forum: Breakthrough T1D Community Summits in English and Spanish bring together the T1D community for empowering diabetes education, inspirational speakers, and the latest in research and T1D Technology.
We host an annual local, in-person Community Summits in Omaha bringing together the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community for education, interactive experiences, peer connection, and more.
The Breakthrough T1D Community Forum is a vibrant social network/community forum for people with T1D, their families, and friends. The site is created for—and powered by—the T1D community. Members of this diverse and lively community exchange information, answers, and support.
Breakthrough T1D™ No Limits Speaker Series: A complimentary virtual educational series that offers pre-recorded videos throughout the year for newly diagnosed individuals, parents, and caregivers.
Breakthrough T1D™ Early Detection: Our education and awareness program for type 1 diabetes (T1D) early detection. We believe everyone should know why screening for T1D is important, know how to get screened, and know what to do after they receive their results.
Clinical Trials Education: Breakthrough T1D provides education to members of the T1D community about what clinical trials are, what to consider before participating, and how to find clinical trials near them for which they may be eligible participants.
Events:
Breakthrough T1D™ Walk: The largest global event for the T1D community, where thousands rally to transform the future for those with T1D. Breakthrough T1D Walk is a chance to support research and make a real difference for the T1D community. Whether you'd like to start or join a corporate or family team, walk alone, or you prefer to volunteer, you can choose what works best for you.
Breakthrough T1D™ Ride: A charitable cycling event that offers cyclists of every age and skill level the chance to fuel breakthroughs that drive toward cures and improve the lives of those with T1D. Breakthrough T1D Ride is more than just cycling; it's a movement of riders and supporters united by a common goal: to fund the fight against T1D.
Breakthrough T1D™ Play: Brings together all types of people who love video games to spread awareness, support each other, and fundraise through our favorite medium.
Breakthrough T1D™ Run: Provides entry into some of the country's most exciting fitness events. Designed for Breakthrough T1D supporters of all fitness levels, Breakthrough T1D Run is a partnership. Participants commit to raising a minimum dollar amount, and in exchange Breakthrough T1D provides support leading up to and throughout the event.
Breakthrough T1D™ Gala: The premier fundraising event to advance research, advocacy, and community support to help people with T1D live fuller, healthier lives on the way to cures.
Breakthrough T1D™ Your Way: You come up with the idea, we support you. Whether it's through a special occasion, athletic event, memorial, or your own unique fundraising campaign, Breakthrough T1D gives you all the tools and tips you need to raise money—your way—for T1D research.
Resources:
Begin with Hope: An introductory guide to T1D created with care by people living with T1D, their families, and trusted medical experts.
News & Updates: BreakthroughT1D.org’s News and Updates section is a current, in-depth look at everything that’s happening in the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community, from research advances to inspirational stories.
Resource Library: Breakthrough T1D offers a number of online resources to help people with T1D lead healthy lives. From navigating health insurance to starting school to planning pregnancy, Breakthrough T1D provides practical tips for dealing with T1D at all ages and stages.
Did You Know?
Some 1.45 million Americans are living with T1D.
In the United States, approximately 21,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 were diagnosed with T1D in 2024.
In the United States, approximately 42,000 people over the age of 20 were diagnosed with T1D in 2024.
Around 85% of T1D diagnoses are in people without a known family history of the condition.
The most common warning signs of type 1 diabetes (T1D) are:
Frequent urination
Increased thirst and dry mouth
Increased appetite
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
The onset of symptoms can be sudden, especially in very young children. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your medical provider immediately.
You Can Help
A donation to Breakthrough T1D allows the more than 50 clinical trials to continue to advance.
A donation to Breakthrough T1D provides the ability to educate the public of the importance of type 1 diabetes screening for anyone, at any age.
When you donate to Breakthrough T1D, you are accelerating life-changing type 1 diabetes (T1D) research breakthroughs to cure, treat and prevent T1D.
Dollars at Work
400+ active projects funded around the globe today.
Over $2.5 billion committed in research grants since our founding in 1970.
59+ Breakthrough T1D-funded clinical trials are currently under way.
310 Breakthrough T1D Teen and Adult Packs have been distributed.
170 children have received a Breakthrough T1D Bag of Hope.
Approximately 450 families were contacted by a Breakthrough T1D Outreach Ambassador.
More than 200 people attended Community Summits across Nebraska and Iowa.
Approximately 300 people attended Community Engagement Events throughout the year.
Contact Info
Omaha Office: 402-397-2873 | website | 9202 West Dodge Road, Suite 304, Omaha, NE 68114