NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, is proud to continue its Breakthrough T1D Walks throughout the fall, bringing the community together to 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.

Breakthrough T1D Walk features 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.

"Ford Motor Company's longstanding commitment to Breakthrough T1D's mission continues to elevate our organization's impact and the success of the Breakthrough T1D Walk program, amplifying fundraising, event participation, and overall engagement," said Breakthrough T1D Senior Vice President of Field Engagement Karen Abrahamson. "Ford's contributions go deeper than sponsorship to truly walking the walk in ways that help us accelerate breakthroughs for the type 1 diabetes community. This year Ford stepped up to drive Breakthrough T1D Walk registrations through the Ford Challenge, where they generously committed funds for individual registrations up to $75,000. Breakthrough T1D is deeply grateful for Ford's leadership and ongoing partnership."

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 9.5 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