Saturday June 7, 2025 – Albemarle High School
The University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology partnered with local volunteers to plan the 2025 Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (BT1D) Community Walk in Charlottesville. As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, BT1D has played a crucial role in nearly every major T1D breakthrough in history. No organization does more to improve everyday life with T1D—from therapy development and access, to expanding research, advocacy, and community support. BT1D Walk is the world’s largest fundraising and community-building event for the T1D community.
T1D is an autoimmune disease that is diagnosed in both children and adults and has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. Managing T1D requires constant attention and action—including overnight. Even with a strict regimen, people with T1D can still experience dangerously high or low blood sugar that can lead to complications and, in extreme cases, be life-threatening.
The event took place at the Albemarle High School on Saturday, June 7th, 2025. It was a typical rainy morning in Charlottesville, but that did not stop us from enjoying a one mile walk around the track. Walk Committee Member, Chris Schmidt, started the event off with an inspirational story of how him and his family have been impacted by T1D, as his daughter is living with the disease. BT1D Mid-Atlantic Chapter representative, Ryan Lightner, shared that BT1D recently rebranded to be more encompassing of the reality of T1D. Over the past 50 years, the understanding of T1D has evolved. What was once diagnosed as “juvenile diabetes” is now diagnosed as “type 1 diabetes” and can impact children and adults alike.
Positive Impacts
The 2025 BT1D Community Walk raised over $16,000 dollars! Ryan Lightner also shared that this year’s Mid-Atlantic walks have collectively raised over $1.1 Million dollars! Over 110 people attended and participated in this year’s walk. Children enjoyed bubbles, temporary tattoos, balloon making, and coloring. Local bagel shop, Bodo’s Bagels, donated bagels to the event and local food truck, The Cheesesteak Shack, provided delicious sandwiches. Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who donated and attended the event. See you next year!
By: Madison Maloney (mgm3t@virginia.edu)