Breakthrough T1D’s largest advocacy event – Kids For a Cure was held from November 3rd to 5th in Ottawa, Ontario. Held every two years, Kids for a Cure is Breakthrough T1D Canada’s most important advocacy initiative. Our youth advocates from across Canada help politicians understand the daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the importance of accelerating progress towards cures.
And what an impact our youth delegates made – engaging with more than 50 Members of Parliament and Senators from across all parties during two jam-packed days. Delegates shared their stories of what it means to live with type 1 diabetes, what a cure would mean for them, and advocated to the federal government for increased support on issues impacting people living with the disease.
Their recommendation to the federal government:
Breakthrough T1D recommends that the Government of Canada invest $15 million over 4 years on cures research for type 1 diabetes (T1D), with a focus on cell therapy research to get us closer to functional cures for the disease. Breakthrough T1D Canada commits to securing matching funds for this investment for a total research impact of $30 million over four years.
Our delegates represented youth from across Canada and live with T1D. They come to Ottawa to put a human face to the disease and help Parliamentarians better understand the realities of life with T1D.
This year, 18 kids between the ages of 10 and 17 were selected to be delegates out of over 130 applications. We had representatives from every province and even Nunavut!
Braden, age 13, Kids For a Cure Co-Chair:
“One of the greatest gifts is crossing paths with people who are as brave, as they are inspiring. Meeting these incredible individuals has reminded me of the power in courage, kindness and staying true to who you are, no matter what life brings. Grateful for these people and the stories they shared and to the MP’s, Minsters and Senators that took time to hear our voices. A huge thanks to Breakthrough T1D Canada, for choosing me to come on this trip, allowing me to meet so many wonderful people and host the experience of a lifetime.”
Maryam, age 16 Kids For a Cure Co-Chair:
“Being a co-chair for Kids For a Cure has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Living with type 1 diabetes is a journey filled with challenges, but this event has given me the chance to turn those challenges into strength and purpose. Sharing our stories with Canadian leaders, knowing they’re listening to our voices, is incredibly moving. It reminds me that our voices have the power to create real change. Kids For a Cure is more than just an event—it’s a place where we can connect, find support, and fight for a brighter future together. I’ll carry this experience with me always, knowing it’s made me stronger and brought us one step closer to a world without T1D.”
Thank you to all our delegates, their parents and Breakthrough T1D staff for their tireless work and efforts without whom Kids For A Cure would not be possible. Thank you also to our wonderful co-chairs of the All-Party Type 1 Diabetes Caucus for all their help in putting together this wonderful event and for working together with Canadians living with T1D to improve outcomes and drive crucial research forward.
