Connors and ten Cate are recognized for their visionary support of Breakthrough T1D and strong commitment to the T1D community
San Francisco, CA and New York, November 3, 2022— Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, announces Dan Connors and Hans ten Cate co-founders of Game2Give, as the recipients of the Huntsman Family Community Engagement Award in recognition of their contributions to the organization. Breakthrough T1D’s Game2Give connects video game players, streamers, and developers to raise money and awareness in the fight against T1D.
The Huntsman Family Community Engagement Award recognizes a chapter or national volunteer who has made a highly impactful contribution to the T1D community through advocacy, marketing and communications, mission, outreach, or volunteer engagement, by fostering a sense of community, deepening engagement with the larger Breakthrough T1D family and empowering individuals to make a difference in their own lives.
Dan and his family became involved with Breakthrough T1D in 2018, shortly after their son was diagnosed with T1D. He later connected with Hans and the ten Cate family, who also began their involvement with Breakthrough T1D in 2018 in support of their daughter, who lives with T1D.
“Together, Dan and Hans have helped to bring Breakthrough T1D into a new and emerging chapter as an organization,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “Their visionary outlook on combining two communities in support of one goal, to raise awareness for T1D, has opened Breakthrough T1D up to endless possibilities in the multi-billion-dollar games industry.”
Breakthrough T1D Game2Give provides a platform for those impacted by T1D, gamers, and game makers to connect in a supportive environment as they raise funds for Breakthrough T1D. Under Dan and Hans’ leadership, the Game2Give program has generated $2.3 million in three years.
“We are excited to celebrate the bold creativity and unwavering dedication that both Dan and Hans have for raising awareness for T1D,” said Kellee Hearn executive director of the Breakthrough T1D Northern California Chapter. “Together, they have grown from impacting Breakthrough T1D locally to elevating the organization globally.”
Dan and Hans lead the 20-member Game2Give Advisory Council as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. Hans also serves as the Breakthrough T1D Northern California Chapter’s community board vice president.
Breakthrough T1D recognizes and appreciates all the dedicated volunteers and supporters who commit their lives to the worldwide effort to end T1D. Volunteer Award recipients are recognized at the annual Breakthrough T1D One Conference in Washington, DC.
About Breakthrough T1D
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to long-term complications which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart; and even death if left untreated. It is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and early puberty, but diagnosis in adulthood is on the rise, and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset is sudden and nothing can be done to prevent it yet—it is not related to diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
