The Breakthrough T1D Dallas community gathered on Saturday, April 11, at the OMNI Dallas Hotel to celebrate a milestone evening at the 30th Anniversary Gala, “A Night of Hope,” presented by The Dave and Stacey Johnson Family. The inspiring event brought together more than 600 families, researchers, and supporters united in the mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes (T1D).
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| Dr. Perrin White (honoree), Holly Swartwout, Jeff Swartwout, Harper Swartwout (Fund a Cure Family), Amy Camp (Breakthrough T1D Territory Executive Director) |
Throughout the evening, 33 Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors – children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests and energized the room as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.
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| Gala Chairs: the Johnson family – Dave Johnson, Parker McMullen, Blake McMullen, Chelsea McMullen, Stacey Johnson, Hadley McMullen, Rylie Johnson, Kendall Kelly, Michael Kelly |
The evening opened with heartfelt remarks from emcees Karen Borta of CBS 11 and Isaiah Stanback, former Dallas Cowboys player and NFL Network Good Morning Football and CBS 11 sports analyst, both of whom shared their personal connections to T1D as parents. Guests paused for a special tribute honoring the late Josh Pack, a dedicated champion of the organization whose legacy continues to inspire generosity and impact.
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| Tobin Mateychick, Lindsey Mateychick |
This year’s gala chairs – the Johnson family (Stacey and Dave Johnson and their family Chelsea and Blake McMullen, Kendall and Michael Kelly, and Rylie Johnson) – helped lead a meaningful celebration that highlighted both the 30-year history of the Dallas Gala and a deeply personal milestone: daughter Chelsea’s 30th “diaversary,” marking three decades of living with T1D.
“Type 1 diabetes affects not only those of us who live with the disease, but also the families who walk beside us each day,” said Chelsea McMullen. “While technology has transformed how I manage T1D, I still dream of a day without it – a future where my children don’t have to face this disease.”
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| Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors |
David Natinsky, president-elect of the Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Board introduced Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Melissa Pinkerton, Dallas chapter director, who recognized key supporters and their hope to keep the momentum going and one day see a world without type 1.
“Thirty-one million dollars has been raised in 30 years to fund research, clinical trials, and education,” said Camp. “And families like the Johnsons have been right alongside us every step of the way – driving progress, raising millions, and giving hope to so many.”
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| Lauren Dillon, Ethan Beck, John Dillon, Elisha Dillon |
The program also honored Dr. Perrin White, a nationally recognized leader in pediatric endocrinology whose decades of work have helped transform care for children living with T1D.
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| Marisa Pouiphanvongxay, Tori Nordyke, Yaileth Francis, Faviola Carroll |
“Thanks to the efforts of Breakthrough T1D, I not only hope for a cure – I know it will come,” said Dr. White. “At UT Southwestern, we care for 2,500 children living with T1D, and we’re seeing real progress. I’m proud to be part of advancements like teplizumab, the first disease-modifying therapy shown to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in those at risk. While we work toward a cure, we celebrate each breakthrough that improves lives today and gives families hope for the future.”
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| Rocco Paul, Elle Paul, Zara Paul, Scott Paul |
The evening featured a lively auction, generous sponsorship support, and heartfelt moments that underscored the urgency and promise of continued research, with its success driven in part by auction chair Lindsey Verity, whose leadership helped create an engaging and impactful fundraising experience.
Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with the airline contributing more than 1 million AAdvantage® miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”
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| Z. Marshall, Jane Marshall, Jacqueline Marshall, Melinda Marshall, John Marshall |
As the program concluded and guests took to the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, the message of the evening remained clear: with continued commitment and generosity, a future without type 1 diabetes is within reach.
In addition to the Johnson family, major sponsors included Source North America, Cantina La Rosa, JF Petroleum, Stature Aviation, Forbes HOUSE Dallas, Southwest Airlines, and FBD Partnerships LP.
Photos by Celeste
Cass / George Fiala
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