Greer's OC

Breakthrough T1D Greater Orange County, formerly JDRF, will gather supporters on March 14 for the Beyond A Dream Gala to raise critical funds for research focused on curing, preventing and treating type 1 diabetes. Chaired by Nancy Mienik, Claire Squier and Mara Wilkie, the evening brings the community together for a night of entertainment and meaningful giving in support of the organization’s mission.

The Norton family will be recognized as the Fund A Cure family, sharing the story of their daughter Ellie’s diagnosis and their ongoing commitment to advancing Breakthrough T1D’s work to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs for people living with type 1 diabetes and its complications. Ellie’s mother, Jillian Norton, has become deeply involved with the Greater Orange County chapter and advocates for continued research and support for families navigating life with the disease.

“Our why is simple! When your 2-year-old is diagnosed with a disease that has no cure, there is nothing you won’t do to fight for one. Breakthrough T1D is accelerating groundbreaking research and advancing real, tangible type 1 diabetes cures, while also giving us something just as powerful: real hope that feels closer than ever. A cure for Ellie is finally on the horizon and it’s truly emotional to say not ‘if’ but ‘when.’ The gala is such an exciting time to celebrate our little warrior and the hope that Breakthrough T1D is providing to so many families!”

The event will feature silent and live auctions, entertainment by Sergio Vellatti and the organization’s signature Fund A Cure program, in which 100 percent of tax-deductible contributions support priority research areas such as cell replacement and disease-modifying therapies. Tom Riles will serve as auctioneer.

“We are thrilled to come together for this year’s Beyond A Dream Gala to raise funds to help improve the lives of those who face type 1 diabetes every day,” said Michelle Popoff, Southern California Territory Executive. “This event is an opportunity for our chapter to celebrate the T1D community as well as distinguished individuals and companies who not only donate funds but who also invest their time in supporting the mission to fund critical research that will lead to scientific breakthroughs and ultimately cures for T1D.”

For more information on event details including sponsorship, donation and ticket options, auction preview, advance registration, and volunteer opportunities, please visit breakthrought1d.org/southernca/OCGala2026 or contact Alex Hines at the Greater Orange County Chapter at (714) 732-2334 or AHines@BT1D.org.