The 2025 Breakthrough T1D Dallas Luncheon, held on November 20 at Brook Hollow Golf Club, brought together a passionate community of nearly 200 families, supporters, volunteers, and leaders united by one goal: accelerating progress toward cures for type 1 diabetes. Hosted by longtime CBS 11 Texas news anchor and dedicated T1D mom Karen Borta, the afternoon opened with her heartfelt welcome and personal story about her daughter Kylie’s diagnosis at age 13. She acknowledged the incredible impact of Breakthrough T1D on her family and celebrated the luncheon’s milestone—more than $1 million raised to date for life-changing research and community programs.

Karen then introduced Deborah Sloan, president of the Breakthrough T1D Dallas Board of Directors and a partner at Jones Day. Deborah shared her family’s connection through her son Clayton, who was diagnosed with T1D at age 4 and is now 21 and thriving at NYU. She highlighted how the many advancements have improved his daily life. She also emphasized the momentum of the chapter, which raised more than $6 million last year, and invited guests to upcoming events including the Dallas Gala in April and a Mahjong tournament in December.

Next, Territory Executive Director Amy Camp offered an energizing update on Breakthrough T1D’s mission. She detailed the organization’s global push toward what the T1D community needs now and next: advancing more than 400 research projects and 11 clinical trials, expanding early detection, driving disease-modifying therapies, and accelerating progress toward cures. She noted Breakthrough T1D’s $146 million investment in research last year, amplified to $521 million through strategic partnerships.

“We can’t do this on our own – this is powered by people like you,” Camp said. “We stand on the shoulders of so many who have supported these efforts, which is why we continue to see such meaningful advances. We thank the Roosevelt family, who launched the luncheon in 2013 and helped grow it into a celebrated annual event that has now raised over $1.2 million for T1D research.” She also expressed her gratitude to the many sponsors whose generosity makes the luncheon possible.

Camp then welcomed the 2025 Luncheon Chairs, Susan and Jim Baldwin, longtime volunteers with Breakthrough T1D. They shared their personal connection to the mission as the parents of their daughter Sarah, who was diagnosed with T1D at age 9. Jim reflected on the shock and steep learning curve their family faced 23 years ago and described how today’s advancements—made possible through ongoing research—have greatly increased Sarah’s independence and safety as she builds her life in New York.  Jim added, “Progress is possible.” Their gratitude for the generosity in the room was unmistakable and deeply heartfelt.

After recognizing the host committee and generous sponsors, including Stage Sponsor Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Valet Sponsor Eiseman Jewels, Program Sponsor Sanofi, and Youth Ambassador Sponsor Sterner Sedeño Communications —Borta introduced the event’s highly anticipated keynote speaker, actor and singer Ryan McCartan. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 6, McCartan has built an impressive career on stage and screen. He recently completed a Broadway run as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. His additional credits include Fiyero in the 15th anniversary cast of Wicked, Prince Hans in the closing cast of Frozen, and the originating role of Jason Dean in the Off-Broadway production of Heathers. He has also appeared in numerous television roles, most notably as Diggie Smalls on the Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie.

McCartan delivered an inspiring and humorous keynote about growing up with T1D. Highlights include:

• Referencing Nick Jonas: “I had been on the Disney Channel for many years but was only the second most famous Disney diabetic. Do you know who is number one? Nick Jonas!  I remember watching him and thinking I could do that. Today I’m here to speak not as Nick Jonas—but as the next best thing.”
• Early diagnosis: “I had no understanding of why I was constantly thirsty, shaky, exhausted, and frequently wetting the bed. It was all due to chronic high blood sugar.”
  • First experience managing T1D:  Attendinga Minnesota clinic, he learned to check his blood sugar and manage insulin – something he has done on his own ever since: “The suite of tools they used back then were actually developed by JDRF, now Breakthrough T1D, so you could say I have come full circle speaking here today.”  
  • Two areas of awareness: the importance of education and the power of levity. “I believe in the power of laughter and talking to others. I remember my first conversation with an agent who told me not to tell anyone about my diabetes as it was a potential burden. Now, just a week ago, I’m on a billboard in New York acknowledging I have diabetes – it’s not a secret, it’s a fact.  That’s a breakthrough.”
  • How he got his start: From a middle-class family, he was discovered at age 7 after being asked to sing at his sister’s voice lesson. “The teacher was looking for a young boy for a musical, and I got a call the next day.”
  • How T1D helped shape his career: “All my life I have been showing up, following directions, and paying attention—that’s what had been keeping me alive.” It was assumed he was an experienced actor because his teacher had exaggerated his background, though his only experience was managing diabetes. When the lead left a Halloween rehearsal for trick-or-treating, Ryan stepped in. “I had no interest in that—candy was a new poison, and as for a normal childhood, that ship had sailed. I got the lead, which led to more opportunities.”
  • Reflecting on T1D: “T1D has made me resilient, empathetic, and motivated. The louder and prouder you live with your circumstances, the more you get back. Nothing feels better than giving the keynote speech for the organization that saved your life.”
  • Looking ahead: “My story isn’t over. There are children, teens, and adults whose stories are just beginning. My dream for the future is that we do such a good job that we don’t need these types of luncheons anymore because we cured T1D… and we usher in an era where Disney and Broadway stars are just really good actors.”

Additional attendees included: Jen Burns, Amy Donovan, Natalie and Houston Duncan, Deborah Gunter, Richard Eiseman, Ola Fojtasek, Nirada Koonrugsa-Fritz and Anders Fritz, Tricia and Kenn George, Rohini Mehdiratta, Melissa Richards, Kim and David Roosevelt, Melissa Sherrill, Lisa Singleton, Janice and Gary Walsh, Sharyl and John Weber, and Terry Van Willson.

The afternoon concluded with a Q&A, leaving attendees inspired, connected, and motivated to continue driving progress. Thanks to the generosity and passion in the room, the 2025 Dallas Luncheon strengthened the momentum toward a world where type 1 diabetes is no longer part of anyone’s story.

(photo credit: Tamytha Cameron)