About
We invite you to join for the 30th year as the Sheraton Grand Seattle celebrates the holiday season with joy and creativity through Gingerbread Village, a cherished tradition benefitting Breakthrough T1D and type 1 diabetes research. This year’s theme, Iconic Destinations, takes you on a sweet journey to Agra, India, London, England, Sydney, Australia, and Paris, France with spectacular gingerbread creations crafted by top local architecture firms, Sheraton chefs, and Breakthrough T1D Elves—children living with type 1 diabetes.
The process begins months in advance. Architects submit detailed schematics before the Sheraton chefs bake the gingerbread foundation for these 6-foot-tall masterpieces. The Breakthrough T1D Elves bring their unique perspectives to the designs, with some using AI tools, and others drawing from their cultures, and incorporating elements of their families and identities. The result is a breathtaking collaboration that showcases creativity, teamwork, and the spirit of the season.
When/where will Gingerbread Village occur this year?
Address: Sheraton Grand Seattle 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Dates/Times: November 21st, 2024 – January 1st, 2025
Sunday – Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Friday – Saturday 9:00am – 11:00pm
Can we volunteer?
Absolutely! We love having volunteers to help with this great event. You can find the link to volunteer here!
Get your company involved!
Community support of this event goes toward Breakthrough T1D, with a life-saving mission of a world without type 1 diabetes. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity! Interested in participating or sponsoring? Please reach out to Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest Chapter at pacificnorthwest@BreakthroughT1D.org.
My child has type 1 diabetes. How can they be a part of this?
Keep an eye out on our social media to be the first to know when applications open for our Gingerbread Village Elves! The application process includes both a written portion and an interview.
Find ways to get involved in the local T1D Community: Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest
Instagram: BreakthroughT1DPacificNorthwest
Facebook: Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest
LinkedIn: Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults at any age and suddenly. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. Though T1D’s causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers play a role. Breakthrough T1D is the leading supporter of research to find cures for T1D.
I have another question!
Please email: pacificnorthwest@BreakthroughT1D.org
London, England
Meet Elf Sealy!
Age: 12 years old
Diagnosis Age: 2
Hobbies: Soccer, golf, math, clarinet, and choir
What was it like when you were diagnosed with T1D?
“I don’t remember that well. I was almost 3 years old. I remember getting an IV at the hospital, and having to wait for the insulin to work so I could eat goldfish. Also having to get a shot for chicken nuggets.”
Sydney, Australia
Meet Elf Zoe!
Age: 10 years old
Diagnosis Age: 8
Hobbies: I love dancing (ballet and jazz), playing the flute, reading and arts / crafts (I even just finished a crochet course). I also like playing with my younger sister and friends. I also enjoy baking, particularly making breakfasts.
What would a cure for T1D mean to you?
“A cure would mean more freedom and more energy to do the things I enjoy, rather than thinking about diabetes. I would be able to eat without stopping to think about my diabetes. It would also mean other people not having to go through this also. And less pokes and doctor’s visits!.”
Agra, India
Meet Elf Om!
Age: 11 years old
Diagnosis Age: 6
Hobbies: I love playing cello, piano, basketball, and tap dancing. I like chess and being part of queer affinity group at my school.
What would a cure for T1D mean to you?
“It would mean everything. I wouldn’t have to feel any more pain from pokes and my skin wouldn’t be covered in scars anymore. I wouldn’t have to worry about explaining T1D to substitutes at school.”
Paris, France
Meet Elf Lina!
Age: 11 years old
Diagnosis Age: 9
Hobbies: Being in musicals is one of my passions and I love it so much. I sang the national Anthem with a small group from school at the Sounders game, Reign game and Storm game this year. I also swim and hike. I am passionate about art and fashion.
What was it like when you were diagnosed with T1D?
“It was a big shock. I felt sad and mad that I got T1D. I didn’t know why it happened to me. We really don’t understand how I got it. It seems no one does. Living with T1D can be hard because I have to do a lot of stuff throughout the day to manage my blood sugar. There is no break from T1D. Diabetes sucks. However, it proves I am strong and can do really hard things.”
