By Elizabeth Lenart | Guest Contributor
The Breakthrough T1D Walk, the largest global event for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community, brings together individuals and families to drive research, advocacy, and support that improve lives and move us closer to a cure. Open to participants of all ages and abilities, this family-friendly event celebrates hope, progress, and community. All funds raised support Breakthrough T1D’s mission to accelerate breakthroughs that cure, treat, and prevent type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Join Breakthrough T1D in Walking Toward a Cure
in Dallas on Nov. 7th
WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 2026
· 8:00 a.m. | Walk Site Opens – Activities, Resource Row, Stage Entertainment
· 9:00 a.m. | Opening Ceremony & T1D Parade
· 9:30 a.m. | Walk Begins
· 10:00 a.m. | Light refreshments, Activities, and Family Fun!
WHERE: Grandscape at The Colony; 5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony, TX 75056;
Walk Route Length: 1.5 Miles- View Walk Route here.
Free general parking at 5750 Grandscape Blvd.
The nonprofit states that more than 1.5 million Americans live with type 1 diabetes—a number expected to rise to 2 million by 2040, and that Breakthrough T1D funds critical research to improve lives today and find cures for tomorrow.
Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes.
“Every dollar and every step go toward expanding physical and mental health resources, funding a cure, and raising the awareness this disease deserves.”
- John Dillon, Event Co-Chair
Dallas event co-chairs are John Dillon and Sarah Morris.
When the Dillon family’s youngest daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 19 during her freshman year of college, the family was suddenly facing a diagnosis no one saw coming. Like many people with T1D, Lauren had experienced warning signs that were initially overlooked. Eventually, she was hospitalized with blood sugar levels in the 700s and received a diagnosis that changed the lives of the entire family.
With no family history of T1D, the Dillons quickly learned about the physical demands of the diagnosis – insulin, carb counts and blood sugar targets – as well as the mental and emotional demands of managing an autoimmune disease. They also discovered a supportive T1D community that helped Lauren as well as the family navigate the journey.
The family has become deeply involved in the T1D community and passionate about raising awareness, expanding resources and supporting research toward a cure.
Now, John, his wife, Elisha, and their family are leading the Dallas Walk, walking in honor of Lauren and alongside the T1D community they have come to know and love.
Dallas T1D Walk Co-Chair John Dillon, with wife Elisha and daughter Lauren who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 19. Lauren has since volunteered and interned with Breakthrough T1D and is now pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership, with a plan to help others just as the T1D community has helped her.
For questions or additional details, contact event coordinator Melissa Pinkerton at mpinkerton@breakthrought1d.org.
Register HERE to sign up to walk in person or virtually.
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About Breakthrough T1D: Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy, and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. For more information:
https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/, https://www.breakthrought1d.org/oklahoma/email northtexasoklahoma@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.
Photo credit: Breakthrough T1D
