ORINDA and LAFAYETTE, CA — Haddie Kellenberger, 13, of Orinda and Lily Griffin, 13, of Lafayette are helping lead an East Bay event that raises money and awareness for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Haddie was diagnosed with T1D at age 5 and Lily at age 9, and both have a personal stake in the research the event helps to fund. Soon after their diagnoses, their families became involved with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global T1D research and advocacy organization.
Haddie and Lily met through Breakthrough T1D and are now close friends working to help other local families living with T1D. Together they serve on the committee for the 2026 Breakthrough T1D NorCal Community Games, taking place at noon on Sunday, September 27, at Da Boccery in Livermore.
Community Games welcomes participants of all ages for an afternoon of bocce, cornhole, golf simulators, arcade games, food, and fun, while supporting Breakthrough T1D’s mission of accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.
This year’s Community Games has a fundraising goal of $60,000, and Haddie and Lily’s families have already helped secure more than $15,000 in sponsorships toward that goal.
“Because I was diagnosed so young means I don’t remember what life was like when I didn’t have to think about T1D,” Haddie said. “I really enjoy working with Breakthrough T1D on Community Games because it helps spread awareness of what I deal with daily.”
“Most people don’t know what type one diabetes is and don’t understand the struggles we have to go through daily,” Lily said. “With Community Games, I am able to spread awareness while enjoying time with people.”
Maureen Kosewic, Breakthrough T1D Community Games event manager, said, “The girls are highly engaged on the Community Games committee which is a mix of adults and youth. These girls are presenting at meetings, on the agendas, and co-leading virtual meetings. That kind of leadership from two teenagers is rare, and it’s exactly what this community needs.”
Event Details:
- Breakthrough T1D NorCal Community Games
- Noon on Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Da Boccery, 175 E. Vineyard Ave., Livermore, CA
- Tickets available at BreakthroughT1D.org/NorCal/Games2026
About Breakthrough T1D
As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) 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. Our mission is to improve lives by accelerating breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure T1D and its complications.
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 8.7 million children and adults. 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.
