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JDRF New England Chapter is a company.
Key people at JDRF New England Chapter.
Breakthrough T1D Greater New England Chapter functions as a regional arm of a global non-profit dedicated to type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy. This chapter provides local resources, community support, and educational events throughout New England. It translates the broader organization's mission into direct programs for individuals and families navigating T1D.
The parent organization, Breakthrough T1D, was established in 1970 by families profoundly affected by type 1 diabetes. These founders recognized an urgent need for dedicated funding and collaborative research to address the disease. Their core insight was that focused philanthropic efforts could accelerate scientific advancements, leading to effective treatments and a cure for T1D.
The chapter primarily serves individuals with type 1 diabetes, their families, and caregivers across New England, alongside community supporters. Its long-term vision supports Breakthrough T1D's global mission: to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs that will cure, prevent, and treat the disease and its complications, aiming for a future free from T1D.
Key people at JDRF New England Chapter.
The JDRF Greater New England Chapter, now operating as the Breakthrough T1D Greater New England Chapter, is a regional affiliate of the leading global organization dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, advocacy, and community support.[1][2][3] Its mission aligns with Breakthrough T1D's vision of a world without T1D by accelerating breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat the disease while improving lives today through events, fundraising, and local engagement across Maine, eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.[2][3] The chapter serves as a community hub, organizing walks, marathons, and advocacy efforts that raise funds for research, with a focus on beta cell protection and islet transplantation advancements via centers like the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England.[4]
Rather than a for-profit company or investment firm, it functions as a nonprofit powerhouse, having contributed to over $2 billion in global T1D research funding through grassroots efforts.[1][5] It influences the T1D ecosystem by uniting families, advocating for policy changes, and partnering with corporates like Novo Nordisk for events such as the Breakthrough T1D Walk and Boston Marathon charity program.[2][6]
Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, was founded in 1970 by parents of children with T1D under the name Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, driven by a determination to fund a cure through research and advocacy.[1][5] The organization evolved from grassroots fundraising into a global leader with dozens of U.S. chapters and international affiliates, rebranding to Breakthrough T1D starting in 2024 to reflect its focus on all ages affected by T1D.[2][5] The Greater New England Chapter emerged as a key regional arm, headquartered in Wellesley, MA, serving multiple states and centering community events that build on this legacy.[2][3]
Pivotal moments include expanding advocacy, such as participating in the 2026 Bank of America Boston Marathon charity program, and supporting research hubs like the New England Center of Excellence, which targets immune attacks on beta cells post-islet transplantation.[2][4][6] Local leadership, including figures like Lauren Shields (chapter head), has driven inspiring events that unite the T1D community.[3]
The Greater New England Chapter rides the wave of accelerating T1D biotech innovations, including islet cell transplants and immune therapies, amid rising awareness that T1D affects all ages—not just juveniles—fueling demand for cures beyond insulin management.[4][5] Timing is ideal with post-2024 rebranding emphasizing breakthroughs, aligning with market forces like increased philanthropic funding from donors such as the Helmsley Charitable Trust and corporate philanthropy.[5][6] It influences the ecosystem by channeling local funds into global research partnerships with academia, industry, and clinicians, while grassroots events amplify advocacy for regulatory approvals and federal support, bridging community needs with scientific progress.[1][3][5]
Next steps include ramping up 2026 events like the Boston Marathon and Breakthrough Week to sustain momentum in research funding and community building.[2][6] Trends in immunotherapy, beta cell regeneration, and policy reforms for therapy access will shape its path, potentially expanding the New England Center's impact toward scalable cures.[4] Its influence may grow by deepening corporate ties and youth advocacy, evolving from regional hub to key driver in a T1D-free future—echoing its founding parents' resolve now powered by 50+ years of progress.[1][5]
