The Walgreens Foundation announced a national partnership with Breakthrough T1D, the leading organization for type‑1 diabetes research and advocacy. Under the agreement, the foundation will provide $1 million in funding over the next three years to help families affected by the disease and to accelerate research toward a cure.
Community‑focused fundraising
In addition to the direct grant, Walgreens plans to raise $15 million through voluntary checkout donations at its stores nationwide. The first fundraising campaign is scheduled to begin in May 2027, giving customers an easy way to support the cause while they shop.
Impact on families and research
More than 1.5 million Americans live with type‑1 diabetes, and incidence rates continue to rise. The partnership will fund education and outreach programs that raise awareness about early detection and clinical trials, as well as support research into disease‑modifying therapies that could delay or prevent onset.
Breakthrough T1D CEO Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., praised the collaboration, noting that Walgreens’ long‑standing presence in neighborhoods makes it an ideal partner for reaching people living with the condition. “Together we can improve everyday life for those with type‑1 diabetes while we work toward a cure,” Kowalski said.
Walgreens’ commitment to health
Walgreens Executive Vice President and President of the Walgreens Foundation Abbe Luersman highlighted the company’s historic role in community health. “For more than a century, Walgreens has helped people lead healthier lives through trusted advice and accessible services,” Luersman said. “With this partnership we aim to reach one person with type‑1 diabetes for every Walgreens team member, creating a true community effort with collective impact.”
Promising research advances
Recent clinical work underscores the importance of continued funding. A trial at the University of Chicago has kept 12 patients insulin‑independent after transplanting deceased‑donor islets with a targeted immunosuppressant. Meanwhile, researchers at Upstate Medical University in Central New York have cured diabetes in mice using genetically modified lab‑grown pancreatic islet cells that avoid immune detection, potentially eliminating the need for immunosuppression. The team hopes to begin a human trial in the next few years and estimates a $15‑$20 million budget for the effort.
By supporting both community outreach and cutting‑edge science, the Walgreens Foundation’s contribution aims to improve quality of life for those living with type‑1 diabetes and move the nation closer to a cure.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
