Annual award recognizes outstanding Breakthrough T1D volunteer leadership
Larkspur, Calif. and New York, Feb. 12, 2025—Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Dayton Coles as the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Gerald Fishbone Award for his longstanding volunteerism at Breakthrough T1D, his service on the International Board of Directors and Research Committee, and his leadership on the Mission Impact Volunteer (MIV) and Clinical Trial Education Volunteer (CTEV) programs.
Named after the late Dr. Gerald Fishbone, a tireless T1D champion and part of Breakthrough T1D from the very beginning, the award recognizes an individual for exemplary, long-term volunteerism in support of Breakthrough T1D mission priorities.
Dayton and his family became early supporters of the organization following the diagnosis of his 3-year-old daughter, Emily, in 1977. His son, Matt, was later diagnosed at age 53 in 2020. Dayton currently serves as a member of the Directors Emeritus, as co-lead of the MIV program, and lead of the CTEV program.
Dayton has always possessed an interest in Breakthrough T1D’s research, and he has engaged with the organization in many volunteer capacities since the mid-1990s. He served on the Lay Review Committee for 15 years, evaluating and recommending research proposals for funding, including stem cell studies in Europe when U.S. research was restricted. As a member of the International Board of Directors from 2005–2011, he helped initiate the Industry Discovery and Development Program (IDDP), developing the template for contracts with industry grantees and negotiating the first IDDP awards. As a member of the Breakthrough T1D Speakers Bureau, he made research update presentations in 32 chapters across 21 states and Canada. In 2009, as chair of the Research Committee, he championed the creation of the Research Information Volunteer (RIV) program and has helped lead the program and host monthly calls for over 15 years. He went on to help transition the program to the MIV program in 2024. His strategic vision has been vital to the creation and success of the CTEV program, which has grown to more than 26 chapters and works to foster a culture of research participation.
“We are thrilled to honor long-time volunteer leader Dayton Coles for his years of generous service and significant contributions to accelerating type 1 diabetes research,” said Aaron Kowalski, PhD, Breakthrough T1D CEO. “Dayton’s steadfast presence, extensive expertise, and strategic vision have driven progress in type 1 diabetes research and inspired countless volunteer leaders to engage with Breakthrough T1D’s research priorities. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, which has moved our organization and mission forward and had a lasting impact on the entire 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 Phoenix, Arizona.
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
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 and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. 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.
###
