This year's Fund a Cure Champion for the Breakthrough T1D Jacksonville Miracles Gala is Aria Todd. Her story will be featured during the gala, which will be held Oct. 25.
She has continued to develop into one of the top young leaders in the T1D community in Jacksonville and her role as the Fund a Cure Champion epitomizes her ascension to help be the face of progress for T1D (type 1 diabetes) research.
Todd is a 25-year-old who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 17 years, after being diagnosed at the age of 7 on May 13, 2008. Her journey began with unexpected and frightening hospitalization, but through the support of medical professionals, family and organizations like Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), she transformed what initially felt like a devastating diagnosis into an empowering and enriching experience.
From her early days of struggling to understand the complexities of diabetes to her current role as an advocate for others with the condition, she has embraced her life-altering diagnoses and health challenges with resilience and determination. Along the way, she connected with a strong community of fellow T1D families, gaining strength, knowledge and a sense of belonging.
As she reflects on the last 17 years, Todd celebrates her growth into a confident, disciplined and informed individual. Type 1 diabetes may have shaped her, but it doesn’t define her.
Through her journey, she has learned the importance of self-care, empathy and perseverance, and she now strives to inspire others facing similar challenges. With the ongoing support of organizations like Breakthrough T1D, she continues to thrive, fostering hope, connection and a life full of growth.
For more information on event details including sponsorship, donation and ticket options, auction preview, advance registration and volunteer opportunities, go to breakthrought1d.org/northernflorida/events/breakthrough-t1d-jacksonville-gala-2025 or contact Steven Hillan at 954-304-0282 or Shillan@bt1d.org.
