Jake and Stephanie Keet

Honorary Co-Chairs

Jake and Stephanie Keet are honored to serve as Honorary Co-chairs for Breakthrough T1D’s Party with a Purpose, taking place on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at Rusty Tractor Vineyards in Little Rock. Jake, as Chief Operating Officer of JTJ Restaurants, and Stephanie, as Director of Marketing, have dedicated their careers to serving our community through hospitality. During this event, we strive to raise awareness and funds to help turn Type 1 into Type NONE! We have had much to celebrate over the years, with advancements in research and technologies to treat this chronic disease, but we have not yet reached our goal (a world without type 1 diabetes). As a result, we will continue fighting for a cure, and will never give up. That is what we are reminded of at the Breakthrough T1D Party with a Purpose. 

Our family’s connection with T1D runs deep. My sister was diagnosed with Type 1 as a child, showing us firsthand the challenges of growing up with this disease. Then, almost 10 years ago, I (Stephanie) was also diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as an adult. Like many adult-onset cases, the diagnosis came as a complete surprise – even with our family history, I was unprepared for the news that would change my life forever. Learning to manage this chronic condition while maintaining a demanding career has been a journey, but having witnessed my sister’s strength and resilience throughout her life with T1D has been both inspiring and enlightening. Our shared experience has given me a unique perspective on how this disease affects people differently at various life stages and has fueled my passionate drive to help find a cure. 

The technology available today for managing T1D is remarkable, but it’s still not a cure. Living with T1D means constant monitoring, careful planning, and vigilance – every hour of every day. While continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps have made management more precise, they don’t eliminate the burden of this disease. That’s why we’re committed to supporting research that will hopefully one day make Type 1 truly Type NONE. 

Research is the heartbeat of Breakthrough T1D, and we are closer than ever to finding a cure for those living with T1D. Please know that in the meantime the technology we now have is unmatched and that is because of Fund A Cure and the donations you give. It truly makes living with T1D a little bit easier. We hope to see you at the Party with a Purpose on March 1st, 2025, at Rusty Tractor Vineyards.  

Jake & Stephanie Keet 

To donate to Fund a Cure gift on behalf of Jake & Stephanie Keet, visit HERE.

Susie Rosenbaum and Bruce Maddox

Gala Chairs

Susie Rosenbaum is the Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer of BSR Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: HOM.U) based in Little Rock, Arkansas, and traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. She also currently serves on the Arkansas Repertory Theatre board of directors, and the Mississippi State University Adkerson School of Accountancy Advisory Council and is thrilled to be co-chairing the Breakthrough T1D gala in Central Arkansas with her fiancé, Bruce Maddox. Bruce teaches AP Calculus, AP Precalculus and Algebra 2 at North Little Rock High School and plays guitar with the Karla Case Band. Susie and Bruce will be married in November of 2024, at a small family ceremony in Little Rock.

Susie was diagnosed with T1D in 1977. While the technology to treat the disease continues to improve, finding a cure for T1D has evaded us. Susie and Bruce both understand that managing this disease can be all-consuming and the complications can be devastating. By joining us at the Rusty Tractor Vineyards on March 1, 2025, your support will move us one step closer to curing a disease that plagues the lives of so many.

To donate to Fund a Cure gift on behalf of Susie Rosenbaum and Bruce Maddox, visit HERE.

The Pate Family

Fund A Cure Family

The Pate family is excited to be a part of the Breakthrough T1D Party with a Purpose Gala team for 2025. We are incredibly honored to share our personal story, as the Fund-A-Cure family, to help raise awareness regarding Type One Diabetes and the need for a cure.

My journey with this chronic disease started 34 years ago, when I (Jillian) was diagnosed at 18 months old. I do not know a day without counting carbs, checking my blood sugar, or calculating insulin dosages. But throughout the three decades, I have personally seen how funding for diabetes research has advanced both insulin management and blood glucose control in drastic ways. It has increased my quality of life now and will most definitely add years to my life in the future – but it is still not a cure.

My family has grown up supporting T1D research through fundraising, diabetes walks, and galas. “Feet Meet to Defeat Diabetes” and “Moffetts on a Mission” were two of our walk t-shirt slogans that many of our friends remember to this day. We are so grateful for the support we have received from friends and family throughout the seasons of my life with this chronic illness. We look forward to celebrating with each of you this year at the Party for a Purpose as we continue to raise funds for diabetes research.

In the past 3 years, I have unfortunately had to navigate a new normal due to complications from T1D. Living with impaired vision for the rest of my life has increased the urgency to find a cure. The longer I live with the disease, the higher chance I have to experience life-altering complications.

There isn’t a moment that goes by that diabetes isn’t on my mind. It is all-consuming and never-ending, and our hope is that our children won’t have to face the same diagnosis without a cure. With your help, it is achievable! We look forward to supporting a cause with you that is so near and dear to our hearts. We hope to see you on March 1st, 2025.

To donate to Fund a Cure gift on behalf of The Pate Family, visit HERE.