Dear friends & family,

We are so honored to announce that our family has been selected to be the featured Fund A Cure Family at the Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) Gala on March 1st, 2025.

In December 2021, when our daughter Nora was just 2.5 years old, she developed new symptoms including increased thirst and urination. This prompted a visit to our Pediatrician, where she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This diagnosis was a complete shock to us. We remember immediately thinking about how much this would impact her life, and the thought was overwhelming. We embarked on the path of treating her disease. Little by little, we learned how to care for her amidst our busy lives as working parents. We were astounded by Nora’s resiliency as she adjusted to her new normal, full of finger pokes and frequent injections.

Nora’s Endocrinologist told us early on that there is nothing she cannot do because of her T1D. This message has stuck with us. We strive every day to make it possible for Nora to be like any other kid. She loves her friends, loves school, has a keen fashion sense, and excels at so many sports including swimming, soccer, Irish dance and skiing. We wish we could say it was easy to give her a “normal” life, but any parent of a child with T1D would tell you that it is an incredibly challenging, humbling roller coaster caring for someone with this disease, even with the incredible advancements there have been over the years. Each day presents new challenges, and we are constantly aware of her blood sugar—day and night. It takes a village, and we rely on so many important people in our lives: the teachers, babysitters, family and friends who enthusiastically walk this road with us.

Breakthrough T1D is the leading global T1D research and advocacy organization that helps make everyday life better while driving toward cures. They connect the brightest minds to advance treatments, influence policy and improve access to care. By driving innovation forward, we believe, they will make T1D a thing of the past for all kids like Nora.

Additionally, after nearly a decade of practicing as a Pediatric Hospitalist, Caitlin has decided to complete a fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology, encouraged primarily by her experience in supporting Nora through this disease. She looks forward to dedicating the rest of her career to caring for other patients with T1D, and becoming more involved with Breakthrough T1D as a practicing Endocrinologist.

Nora recently asked Caitlin, “Mom, when I am a mommy, will I still have diabetes?” This question broke our hearts.  A cure for this disease is our greatest wish.

Please consider any level of support that makes sense for you; whether by purchasing individual tickets, hosting a table, donating an auction item, or making a Fund A Cure contribution. Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of every person who faces the daily challenges of T1D.

With love and appreciation,

The Kaeppler Family