Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/11/2026
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Houston Sports Park
Categories
Child friendly: Yes
Ticket Prices: Free, but registration is required
Telephone Number: 713-401-3145
Website: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10732&pg=informational&type=fr_informational&sid=2452
Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, will welcome thousands of supporters and volunteers at the annual Breakthrough T1D Walk on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Houston Sports Park.
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 Nelly White, a longtime supporter through her involvement leading the Williams Company employee Walk team. White is deeply inspired by the resilience of the community and the significant impact Breakthrough T1D makes every day to fund the research leading to life-changing breakthroughs.
White will join Will Shappley as he serves this year as the Honorary Grand Marshal in the 1.5-mile walk. The Shappley journey with Type 1 Diabetes began when his daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5. The Shappley family became involved with Breakthrough T1D shortly after Mary Ellis’s diagnosis and has remained deeply engaged ever since participating in annual walks, building “Team Mary Ellis,” and helping raise awareness, funding, and community support.
The Junior Grand Marshal will be announced at the kickoff party on August 30, 2026, at Dave and Busters. All registered walkers will be placed into a drawing – with 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 and Chapter Sr. Director Deandrea Dillard will welcome guests to a fun-filled family friendly day of entertainment, including a Kid’s zone, carnival games, a sports-related inflatable obstacle course, photo booth, bracelet making, hair painting by Floyd’s Barber Shop, 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 Texans Mascot Toro will also join in the fun along with the upbeat sounds provided by Attucks 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 Deloitte LLP; BP Energy Company; The Williams Companies; Ford Motor Company; and SanMar Corporation.
Breakthrough T1D invites everyone to support the mission and learn more about T1D.