The President’s Award is presented each year by the Breakthrough T1d Board President to recognize a Board Member whose contributions have had a significant and lasting impact.
This year’s honoree, Dr. Bonnie McCann-Crosby, exemplifies that spirit of service. She dedicates countless hours behind the scenes—participating in monthly meetings with national staff, collaborating closely with local team members, and preparing thoughtfully for key events and engagements.
In her role as Research and Clinical Trial Education Volunteer, Dr. McCann-Crosby serves as a vital bridge between groundbreaking global advancements and the local T1D community. Through this role, she helps ensure that donors and volunteers not only stay informed but feel inspired by the progress their support makes possible. Most importantly, she brings hope to individuals and families impacted by type 1 diabetes.
Bonnie’s leadership and insight extend far beyond Board meetings. This year, she delivered the keynote address at the Community Summit, participated on the panel at the Fall Breakfast with Champions event, shared research updates in virtual forums across the chapter and assisted the Austin team with strategies for healthcare partnerships.
“We are thrilled that Dr. McCann-Crosby received the Presidential Award from Breakthrough T1D this year for her tireless pursuit and service to enhancing the lives of children and families with Diabetes. Her commitment to her patients stretches beyond traditional work silos. She builds bridges throughout our community that lead to invaluable extensions of the TCH mission,” said Dr. Rona Sonabend, Diabetes and Endocrine Division Chief.
Her influence goes well beyond the walls of Texas Children’s Hospital—touching thousands of lives throughout our region.
Texas Children’s Hospital also acknowledged as Corporate Partner of the Year
Since officially becoming a healthcare partner of Breakthrough T1D in 2018, Texas Children’s Hospital has been a steadfast ally in the shared mission to support individuals and families impacted by type 1 diabetes. Thanks to the early leadership and vision of Dr. Daniel DeSalvo and Dr. Rona Sonabend, who recognized the profound potential of a collaborative partnership centered on patient and family support, this relationship launched with momentum—and has only grown stronger over time.
Today, that partnership spans every Texas Children’s Hospital campus in the Greater Houston area, as well as the new location in Austin. Through this collaboration, and with the support of clinical referrals from TCH, Breakthrough T1D has had the privilege of connecting with thousands of newly diagnosed families through the Bag of Hope program—ensuring that holistic, compassionate care extends well beyond the clinical setting.
Over the past eight years, Texas Children’s has provided generous financial support through sponsorships and Walk teams and has actively engaged in numerous initiatives that have enriched both organizations. Highlights of this partnership include:
- Annual participation in the “Dia-bootees” Halloween event hosted by TCH
- Providing speakers, content, and vendor support at our Community Summits
- Panel contributions at the 2024 Breakfast with Champions
- Collaboration on virtual education events for families and caregivers
- And Breakthrough T1D’s funding of two post-doctoral fellows at Texas Children’s
Breakthrough T1D is deeply grateful for the synergy between the two organizations and the shared vision they hold: to improve outcomes, inspire hope and deliver whole-person care to those living with type 1 diabetes.