Meet our 2012-2013 Youth Ambassador Co-Historians, Daniela Johnson and Fallon Smythe.   These two Breakthrough T1D super stars make us so proud to call them Breakthrough T1D representatives.  Hot on the path to fundraising for their Family Walk Team; these girls along with their families attended the 2012 Walk to Cure Diabetes Team Captain Kick-off Luncheon.  These are their stories:

Daniela Johnson

I’ll start this off by introducing myself; my name is Daniela Johnson!  My family & I have been involved with Breakthrough T1D since the very first year I was diagnosed in 2004 & I’ve been a Youth Ambassador since about 2009.  I am half of the historian team this year.  My other half’s name is Fallon Smythe.  I’m looking forward to what this fantastic opportunity has in store!

Recently, Breakthrough T1D through a kick-off luncheon for this year’s Walk to Cure Diabetes that included numerous sponsors, families, and friends.  We were able to share our stories as T1D’S, express how much the Walk truly contributes to diabetes research, and hopefully motivate & inspire new walkers to do as much as they can to generate continued support of Breakthrough T1D.

Me and my family team sat at a table with corporate team, Nevada State Development Corp. They have been involved with Breakthrough T1D for about a year now & I am very thankful to have them a part of the Breakthrough T1D team. Also at my table sat the Houlihan girls, Maquel, Marin & Mckenna.  I want to acknowledge the outstanding support they’ve given these past four years to not only my Walk team, but to Breakthrough T1D as a whole.  Just after this kick-off, these very caring and giving girls with the help of their friends set-up a lemonade stand & raised over $50!  This is what the Walk kick-off is all about, being inspired.  I am proud to call them friends.

 Fallon Smythe

The Breakthrough T1D Team Captain Kick-off Luncheon was a wonderful success at The Orleans Hotel and Casino on Wednesday August 22, 2012.  There were several Breakthrough T1D corporate sponsors there with their Walk teams, along with many of our Youth Ambassadors and helpful volunteers.

While a delicious coursed meal was being served, our Family Walk Team Chair, Alexis Newell, shared her battle and struggle with her son being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Afterwards, a panel of a few of our sponsors and one of our own Youth ambassadors talked about this challenging disease and how it affects the life of millions.  They also discussed how we can raise more money for the 2012 Walk to Cure Diabetes and most importantly, how you all can help.

The luncheon was completed with our Co-Presidents of the Youth Ambassador Program reading a poem expressing the difficulties they face every day managing type 1 diabetes.  It was such a wonderful event that brought a great deal of awareness to our sponsors, teams, and attendees.
Love,  Fallon Smythe

To view the video Fallon created click on the image above.