Breakthrough T1D Walk Fundraiser

Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, will welcome thousands of supporters and volunteers at the annual Breakthrough T1D Walk on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Aveva Stadium in Houston.
The Breakthrough T1D Walk is a nationwide movement where hundreds of thousands rally in more than 130 events nationwide to transform the future for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Breakthrough T1D Walk is the Houston community’s chance to support research and make a real difference for the T1D community.
Led by Walk Chair Bethany Smith, a dedicated long-time participant and mother to twin Type 1 girls. Smith and her family began walking in 2003 after her twin daughters, Avery and Skylar, were diagnosed as infants. Today, both have recently graduated from college and are thriving—a true testament to the progress we’re all walking for each year.
Smith will join the Tray Mounce Family as this year’s Honorary Corporate Grand Marshal in the 2.1-mile walk. The Mounce journey with Type 1 Diabetes began in 2011 when their son, JT, was diagnosed at the age of 11. Since then, JT has gone on to achieve remarkable milestones, including pursuing his dreams of playing college athletics and becoming a commercial pilot.
The Junior Grand Marshal will be announced at the kickoff party on September 14, 2025, at Dave and Busters. All registered walkers will be placed into a drawing – one entry for every $100 raised – and will have the honor of joining the Honorary Grand Mashal as they cut the ribbon and lead the Walk.
Breakthrough T1D Southern Texas Territory Executive Rick Byrd will welcome guests to a fun-filled family friendly day of entertainment, including a Kid’s zone, carnival games, a photo booth, bracelet making, Floyd’s Barber Shop providing hair paints, face painting, a balloon artist and more.
Safari Snuggles will host a Rufus Bear Clinic to repair and provide new shirts for the beloved bear that each child receives upon diagnosis. In addition to a lively DJ from the AM Project out of San Antonio, the Houston Texans cheerleaders and Mascot Toro will also join in the fun along with the upbeat sounds provided by Addicks Middle School Marching Band.
As participating walkers make their way throughout the park, Breakthrough T1D will honor members of the T1D community with the Breakthrough Mile of Hope. This will feature a mile-long path adorned with signs honoring those living with Type 1 Diabetes. Participants can be a part of this special tribute by fundraising or making a donation of $500 per sign. Following the walk, an award ceremony will take place where teams with the highest donation will receive a traveling trophy to hold until the following year’s event.
The Breakthrough T1D Walk is free to join, but registration is required for all walkers, including children. Fundraising is encouraged, as the average participant raises more than $400 supporting research to help cure T1D.
Sponsors include Williams; Higginbotham Foundation; Clear Companies; Stellar Bank; KPMG; Ware, Jackson, Lee, O'Neill, Smith and Barrow, LLP; Deloitte; and Apex Heritage Group.