Annual award recognizes outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer leadership
Carlisle, Mass. and New York, Feb. 6, 2024— Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Liz Chang as the recipient of the 2023 Carol and Erwin Lurie Award for her impactful work as a volunteer leader, raising funds through her Ragnar Reach the Beach Relay and serving on the Corporate Development Committee.
Named after Carol and Erwin Lurie, who helped found Breakthrough T1D in 1970, the Carol and Erwin Lurie Award is presented to a chapter volunteer whose commitment to the volunteer/staff partnership has significantly advanced the mission and strategic priorities of Breakthrough T1D over the past fiscal year.
Liz and her family became involved with Breakthrough T1D in 2013, shortly after her son was diagnosed with T1D. Since that time, she has made a tremendous impact serving in various roles within the Greater New England Chapter. She and her husband Joe served as the chapter’s 2023 gala honorees, and she currently serves as co-chair of the corporate development committee and co-captain of Team Agony of Duhfeet in the Ragnar Reach the Beach Relay. In addition, Liz is a former board president, board member, and nominating and board development committee member.
A consummate volunteer partner, Liz consistently builds strong relationships and galvanizes her personal and professional networks in support of a shared mission to accelerate life-changing T1D breakthroughs. Through her Ragnar Reach the Beach Relay team, Liz has raised more than $1 million for T1D research. She possesses an unparalleled passion for fundraising and played a pivotal role in the chapter’s record-breaking success at the 2023 gala. Liz’s relentless pursuit of a cure serves as an inspiration for those around her.
“Breakthrough T1D is proud to present Liz Chang with this well-deserved award and recognize her steadfast commitment to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “Liz’s work is an outstanding example of the impact volunteers can have in driving Breakthrough T1D’s mission forward. We are grateful for her leadership and generous dedication to the type 1 diabetes community.”
Breakthrough T1D recognizes and appreciates all of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who commit their lives to the worldwide effort to end T1D. Volunteer award recipients were recognized at the annual Breakthrough T1D One Conference in Houston, Texas.
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. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short or 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. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with 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.
