A Cool Cause

At the Breakthrough T1D Wisconsin Gala last March, 12-year-old Levi Adams spoke about his journey with type 1 diabetes. His speech about the importance of finding a cure, so that others don’t have to face what he is going through, was a poignant moment for all in attendance.

After Levi’s hospitalization and diagnosis in January 2024, the Adamses welcomed the chance to raise awareness as the event’s featured Fund A Cure Family. “It was an incredible opportunity and an important milestone in our journey with T1D,” notes Erik Adams, a senior staff engineer at Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s Wisconsin headquarters.

Levi was determined to personally contribute to the fundraiser: at the gala, he proudly presented an envelope of money he had saved to a scientist with Breakthrough TD1, a non-profit founded in 1970 by families whose loved ones had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes “It was a touching moment to meet someone whose actual job is researching a cure for our son,“ says Erik.

Post diagnosis, Levi’s parents immersed themselves in learning about the disease’s complexities. During this process, Erik discovered that his company has been investing in organizations that support individuals with T1D for decades.

In fact, Lawrence “Bud” Bakke, son of Sub-Zero founder Westye F. Bakke, was diagnosed with T1D when he was five. One of the many benefits of Bakke’s advancements in refrigeration is the safe storage of insulin. “It’s a powerful thought that we store Levi’s insulin in a Sub-Zero fridge at home, and how that ties back to the Bakke family story of why Sub-Zero was founded in the first place,” observes Erik.

Helping those with T1D remains at the forefront of Sub-Zero’s corporate mindset. In 1997, a trio of founding family members launched the Sub-Zero Group Foundation. This philanthropic arm has invested over $4 million in organizations near its manufacturing facilities in Madison, Wisconsin and the Greater Phoenix area of Arizona. The foundation distributes funds centered on three focus areas: food security, community centers, and juvenile diabetes.

Foundation Executive Director Maggie Pascaly guides the organization’s growth. Currently, it boasts a selective portfolio of nonprofit partners, a grouping that is intentionally boutique, notes Pascaly. “Our goal is to provide larger donations to fewer organizations in an effort to drive deeper impact,” she explains. 

Breakthrough T1D is one such partner. Through financial gifts and event sponsorships, the Sub-Zero Group Foundation furthers Breakthrough TD1’s  mission to advance treatments, influence policy, and improve everyday life for those living with the disease.

“For more than half a century, our organization has been at the forefront of research and advocacy,” says CEO Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D. “It has played a pivotal role in nearly every major T1D breakthrough in history, and our work ensures people have access to these advances.”

In fact, Breakthrough’s Project ACT (Accelerate Cell Therapies) is advancing and accelerating the commercial availability of stem cell-based islet cell therapies. This is a crucial step in enabling individuals with diabetes to produce their own insulin.

Currently, Breakthrough T1D boasts 29 chapters nationwide; however, it began as a group of mothers sitting around a kitchen table, discussing how to help their loved ones affected by type 1 diabetes. While a cure is the goal, the nonprofit also engages in community outreach, including a complimentary Bag of Hope filled with resources sent to newly diagnosed children upon request, including Rufus the Bear to show kids they are not alone while learning to take insulin and check their blood sugar.

Julie Feest, Market Director for Breakthrough T1D’s Wisconsin Chapter, is on the ground in her home state, providing support, fundraising, and generating awareness. Every summer, her chapter hosts a T1D Family Day, an event that provides patients and their families with an opportunity to connect while enjoying activities and listening to speakers.

“Everyone comes together to learn from each other,” explains Feest of the atmosphere. “And if someone’s pump alarm goes off, it’s not a big deal. This is an event where everyone speaks the same language.”

Another Sub-Zero Group Foundation partner is the Wisconsin Lions Camp, a project of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Inc. The camp hosts adults and youth with varying abilities from across the state free of charge. One such camp is specifically tailored for kids with diabetes, allowing them a week of carefree summer fun in a community that understands and supports them.

“At camp, you get to learn all the things you can do instead of what you’ve been told you can’t do,” says one camper in the organization’s promotional video. 

“It’s really cool to know you’re not alone,” says another child of the experience.

Kids get a break from being constantly monitored at home while making friends, having fun, and learning new skills. Conversely, families get to see their children managing their disease independently. Round-the-clock medical staff and a health lodge put parents’ minds at ease.

“It’s very heartwarming to see the community support here,” continues Andrea Yenter, Camp Director at Wisconsin Lions Camp. “You get to be who you are instead of being identified by something you happen to have.”