BT1D Illinois

06/04/2026

We are only 3 weeks away from the event of the summer- the YLC One Party!

Join our Young Leadership Committee at Expat on June 25 for a night of fun, including:
🦐🍹 Gourmet hors d'oeuvres and drinks- including an open bar
⭐ A silent auction with something for everyone (keep an eye out for a preview coming soon! 👀)
🍾 Try your luck at a wine pull
🤝 A chance to network and connect with others
💙 All in the name of fundraising to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications.

The best part is there's still time to get your tickets! Tag who you're bringing in the comments below! https://bit.ly/3PSYRgO

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

🌟 It's time to spotlight another incredible Breakthrough T1D Illinois Youth Ambassador- Rachel Bennie!

Rachel did a great job volunteering and sharing her story at D**k for Diabetes last weekend. Living with T1D for almost 5 years, she shared in her speech that when she was diagnosed, she "made a choice: I chose to accept it and learn about my body. Type 1 Diabetes is a complex condition, but it does not define me. I am strong, I am capable, and I am grateful. I want to use my voice to help others find their own strength as they navigate their journeys."

Rachel also told the audience at D**k for Diabetes that "becoming a youth ambassador means I can support T1Ds and help them feel less alone. It’s about building connections and improving both mental and physical health. My hope for the future is that we will one day find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes—and make it available to everyone. And that journey starts with us."

Thank you for your work as a Youth Ambassador, Rachel! 💙

06/02/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who made D**k for Diabetes a success- participants, spectators, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff! It was a beautiful day of pickleball play and moving our mission forward. 🩵

Special thank you to our committee who put in their time and talent to make this event happen! ✨

Finally, a big thank you to our tournament director, Frank Laterza of CrossKourt Pickleball!

📸: Freddy and Camera

06/01/2026

We had a great turnout on Saturday for our D**k for Diabetes Pickleball Tournament- check out some of the highlights! 📸

More photos to come thanks to !

06/01/2026

We've added another new Community Connection event- and it's right around the corner!

Join the T1D community in Bloomingdale on June 30 for some fun in the sun. ☀️ All are welcome!

📅 June 30, 2026
⏰ 9 AM- 11 AM
📍 Circle Park, Bloomingdale

Make sure to register to join us: https://bit.ly/4uM93qD

05/30/2026

Celebrating our men’s doubles medalists! Excellent work at the D**k for Diabetes Pickleball Tournament! 🏅

05/30/2026

Congratulations to our Women’s Doubles medalists from this morning’s play at D**k for Diabetes!! 🏅

05/29/2026

Welcome Kelli Jo to the One Challenge 🩷

"I just turned 25! My diagnosis date is about a week before my birthday, so T1D milestones are something I want to celebrate alongside the life I’ve created living with Type 1. Having confidence about how I manage T1D opened up so many doors for me to be where I am now happy and healthy."

As an interior design project manager and a freelance photographer, Kelli knows that T1D will not stop her from pursuing any projects or getting the perfect shot!

Read all about Kelli and make your impact today: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10836&pg=entry

05/29/2026

D**k for Diabetes is tomorrow, and we're bringing you a sneak peek of some of our auction items! From signed pickleball paddles to a fresh flower subscription to MLB tickets, we will have a little bit of everything for everyone.

Come on out to Danny Cunniff Park on Saturday morning to check it all out in person! Or, if something is calling to you and you can't attend the event, email Alyssa ([email protected]) about becoming a remote bidder. The D**k for Diabetes auction will close at 5 pm CST on 5/30/2026.

We can't wait to see you tomorrow! ☀️