In March 2026, Breakthrough T1D Canada and You’re Just My Type (YJMT) announced a new partnership to build on lived experience support as part of the organization’s mental health and diabetes strategy.
You’re Just My Type is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health of people living with T1D through in-person events, resources, and community-building.
The partnership with Breakthrough T1D will bring YJMT to Canadians, through free, in-person mental health events for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), taking place in Vancouver in May, in Toronto and an online event in November that will be available to anyone in Canada.
Breakthrough T1D had the opportunity to speak with YJMT founder Laura Pavlakovich about what motivated her to start her nonprofit, and her hopes for the expansion into Canadian communities.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly my entire life, and I’ve found that the mental toll can often be heavier than the physical. My background is in photojournalism, a path that took me all over the world and ignited my passion for storytelling and human connection. In 2016, I began combining these two worlds – photography and T1D – to share the stories of our community. That work eventually grew into You’re Just My Type, where we now focus on building mental-health-centered, peer-led spaces for those living with this condition.
What made you start You’re Just My Type?
You’re Just My Type grew out of realizing how much peer support and in-person community were missing in the Type 1 space. While the photo project began in 2016, it evolved into a formal organization in 2021 when I hosted our first in-person mental health event.
I kept thinking about what I wished I had growing up; diabetes camp was a lifesaver, but it only existed for one week a year. I wanted that support to be a year-round reality. Since 2021, we’ve hosted over 50 free events across multiple cities. It became clear that people don’t just need better tools—they need each other.
What makes you excited about the YJMT and Breakthrough T1D Canada partnership?
We hear from people in Canada all the time asking if we’ll ever bring You’re Just My Type there, so this partnership feels incredibly meaningful. Breakthrough T1D Canada is such a trusted and respected organization, and we share a fundamental belief that caring for people with type 1 means caring for their mental health, too. Partnering together makes it possible to reach more people and begin building community in new places in a thoughtful, sustainable way.
Why do you think it’s important for people to understand about mental health and Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 mental experience, even when it looks “under control” from the outside. People often think Type 1 is easy because, as a community, we’ve learned how to make it look easy.
What they don’t see is the constant decision-making, the math, the planning, the sleepless nights, and the complete exhaustion that comes with managing a chronic illness every single day. Mental health support isn’t an optional “extra” in diabetes care; it is essential.
Any further message you want to share with the Canadian T1D community?
You’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way sometimes. You deserve spaces where you can be honest, imperfect, and fully understood. We are so excited to bring You’re Just My Type’s community-based events to Canada and build something alongside you. You belong here.
Learn more about You’re Just My Type at: https://www.yourejustmytype.org/ and further announcements about upcoming events by following Breakthrough T1D Canada on their social media channels.
