A Father’s Dedication Fuels Breakthrough T1D Walk’s Success in Los Angeles
The nationwide Breakthrough T1D Walk, a cornerstone initiative for raising awareness and vital research funding for type 1 diabetes (T1D), is powered by the unwavering commitment of its local volunteers. Among these dedicated individuals, Casey Adams, Corporate Committee Co-Chair for the Los Angeles Walk, exemplifies the profound impact one person can have. His tireless efforts in securing corporate sponsorships have not only bolstered the Los Angeles event but have also extended to securing significant research grants, underscoring a growing synergy between community-based fundraising and foundational scientific investment.
Adams’ personal journey into T1D advocacy began with a life-altering diagnosis for his son, Henry, at the age of 13. This deeply personal experience ignited a passion that has since evolved from participation in the Walk as part of the "Henry’s Home Run" team three years ago, to taking on leadership roles as Co-Chair for the 2025 and 2026 Los Angeles Walks. His evolving involvement highlights a common trajectory for many in the Breakthrough T1D community: a personal connection that transforms into a powerful drive for change.
A Multi-faceted Approach to Funding T1D Research
This year’s Los Angeles Walk saw Adams and his committee achieve a remarkable milestone, raising over $80,000 in corporate sponsorships. This figure represents a significant contribution to Breakthrough T1D’s overall mission, demonstrating the efficacy of their corporate engagement strategies. However, Adams’ commitment transcends the immediate scope of the Walk. His proactive approach to fundraising led him to secure a substantial $75,000 "Fund A Cure" gift from the Keck Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization known for its support of medical research. Demonstrating a profound personal investment in the cause, Adams further matched this generous donation with his own funds, doubling the impact for T1D cure research.
This significant philanthropic contribution from the Keck Foundation, amplified by Adams’ personal commitment, represents a critical infusion of capital into the scientific endeavors aimed at finding a cure for T1D. Such partnerships are crucial, as the development of new treatments and potential cures often requires extensive and prolonged financial backing, far beyond what annual fundraising events can solely provide. The ability of community-driven events like the Breakthrough T1D Walk to foster these larger, foundational partnerships is a testament to their strategic importance.
The Genesis of a Philanthropic Partnership
The connection between Adams and the Keck Foundation was forged through a personal network, illustrating the power of relationship-building in philanthropic endeavors. Adams elaborated on the origins of this impactful collaboration: "I went to high school and college with Steve Keck, and his daughter has celiac," he shared. "We’d see each other at lunch here and there and started talking about these autoimmune diseases, so I slowly just started introducing him to Breakthrough T1D and asked if they would consider a grant or a donation, and he said they would." This anecdote underscores a key aspect of successful fundraising: leveraging existing relationships and finding common ground in shared concerns about autoimmune conditions.
The dialogue initiated by Adams highlights a growing awareness and interconnectedness within the philanthropic community regarding autoimmune diseases. Celiac disease, like type 1 diabetes, is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This shared characteristic likely resonated with the Keck Foundation, which has a track record of supporting medical research across a spectrum of health challenges. Adams astutely recognized this alignment, strategically positioning Breakthrough T1D as a worthy recipient for the Foundation’s philanthropic interests.
Adams further emphasized the pivotal role of the Breakthrough T1D Walk in facilitating this connection: "Without being involved in Walk, I wouldn’t have thought to reach out to Steve and the foundation for this ask," he admitted. "They’ve done a lot with funding different medical research…so it was a good fit for them." This statement is critical, as it illuminates how participation in community-based events can serve as a springboard for larger, more impactful fundraising initiatives. The Walk provides a platform not only for direct fundraising but also for education, networking, and the cultivation of relationships that can lead to substantial, long-term support for research.
The Los Angeles Walk: A Community United
This year’s Los Angeles Walk proved to be a particularly memorable and successful event for Adams. He described it as the most enjoyable of the three he has participated in, attributing this to a strong community turnout and increased personal involvement. "Our team had a lot of great turnout of people coming to support us—a lot of my son’s high school baseball teammates came out," he reported. The presence of Henry’s former teammates speaks to the broad appeal of the cause and the ripple effect of Adams’ advocacy within his son’s social circles.
Adams also had the opportunity to address the crowd directly, a new experience that added to the event’s personal significance. "I was able to get up on stage and speak for a bit, which I haven’t done in the past," he noted. This increased visibility likely contributed to the positive atmosphere and further galvanized support for Breakthrough T1D. Public speaking roles at such events often serve to humanize the cause, connecting attendees directly with the personal stories and motivations driving the research and awareness efforts.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Reach and Securing Long-Term Support
Adams is already looking towards the future with ambitious goals for the 2027 Los Angeles Walk. A primary objective is to expand the Corporate Committee, thereby increasing the capacity to engage with a wider array of potential corporate donors. This strategic expansion aims to broaden the financial base of support for Breakthrough T1D, ensuring greater sustainability for their research and advocacy programs.
Furthermore, Adams is focused on solidifying existing partnerships and securing long-term commitments from sponsors. "We want to keep adding the number of sponsors and have them commit to supporting this cause long-term," he stated. "We want those to be year in, year out support." This emphasis on sustained engagement is crucial for research organizations. Predictable, recurring funding allows for more robust long-term planning, the ability to invest in ambitious, multi-year research projects, and the assurance that vital work will not be interrupted by funding shortfalls. Corporate sponsorships, when structured as multi-year agreements, provide this essential stability.
An Invitation to Action: The Power of Volunteering
Adams extends a heartfelt invitation to individuals considering volunteering for Breakthrough T1D, regardless of their capacity or the amount of time they can commit. He understands that initial hesitation is common but encourages potential volunteers to embrace the opportunity. "If people are feeling hesitant about getting involved, just take the plunge!" he urged. "It’s a little bit of work, but it’s also a lot of fun—it’s rewarding and it makes a big difference."
His advice highlights the multifaceted benefits of volunteering: it is both an investment of effort and a source of personal fulfillment, ultimately contributing to a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by T1D. The sense of community, shared purpose, and the direct contribution to advancing research are powerful motivators that often outweigh the initial apprehension.
Breakthrough T1D: A National Movement
The Breakthrough T1D Walk is more than just a fundraising event; it is a powerful symbol of collective action and hope. As the largest T1D walk in the nation, it mobilizes thousands of participants, families, and supporters across the country. Each step taken, each dollar raised, and each conversation initiated contributes to the overarching mission of accelerating breakthroughs in T1D research, improving lives today, and ultimately, creating a world without type 1 diabetes. The event empowers individuals and teams to become active agents of change, fostering a sense of agency in the face of a chronic condition.
The impact of T1D is significant and far-reaching. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to a lifelong dependence on external insulin to manage blood glucose levels. The condition affects millions globally, with a significant portion of diagnoses occurring in children and young adults. The daily burden of T1D management includes frequent blood glucose monitoring, insulin injections or pump therapy, and careful attention to diet and exercise. Complications associated with long-standing T1D can include heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss, underscoring the critical need for effective treatments and a cure.
The sustained growth of the Breakthrough T1D Walk and the increasing success of its fundraising efforts, exemplified by Casey Adams’ work, are crucial in addressing these challenges. By fostering a nationwide network of dedicated volunteers and building strong relationships with corporate partners and foundations, Breakthrough T1D is positioning itself to make significant strides in accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and ultimately, achieving its vision of a world without T1D. The organization’s commitment to not only funding research but also to raising public awareness ensures that the urgency and importance of finding a cure remain at the forefront of public consciousness.
Individuals interested in contributing to this vital cause are encouraged to find a Breakthrough T1D Walk event in their local area and sign up to volunteer. The collective efforts of individuals like Casey Adams, coupled with the widespread support of the community, are instrumental in driving the progress necessary to overcome type 1 diabetes.
