Austin family shares journey managing child's Type 1 diabetes

Breakthrough T1D nonprofit provides support and community for family affected by the illness

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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KXAN sat down with the Ary family in Austin, Texas, to learn about their journey managing their daughter Hazel's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and the resources they've found through the nonprofit Breakthrough T1D. The family shares how connecting with other families and children with Type 1 has made a difference for Hazel, including having a school nurse who also has the condition.

Why it matters

Type 1 diabetes is a serious chronic illness that affects over 2 million Americans, including about 314,000 children and adolescents. The Ary family's story highlights the importance of community support and access to resources for families navigating a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, especially for children.

The details

Kathryn Ary said finding out her daughter Hazel's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis was 'terrifying' at first, but they were quickly connected to Breakthrough T1D, a nonprofit dedicated to Type 1 research and advocacy. Hazel has made 'diabesties,' or diabetes friends, through the organization, which Kathryn says has made a big difference. Hazel also has a school nurse at Casis Elementary who is also Type 1, which helps her feel less alone. The Ary family is involved in organizing Breakthrough T1D's upcoming gala and annual walk to raise awareness and support for the Type 1 diabetes community.

  • Hazel Ary was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
  • Breakthrough T1D connected the Ary family to resources after Hazel's diagnosis.
  • Breakthrough T1D is hosting a gala in Austin on April 18, 2026.
  • The Ary family hosts an annual walk on November 8 each year.

The players

Kathryn Ary

Hazel's mother, who said finding out about Hazel's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis was 'terrifying' at first.

Hazel Ary

A child living with Type 1 diabetes who has found community and support through Breakthrough T1D.

Breakthrough T1D

A nonprofit organization dedicated to Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy that has provided resources and community to the Ary family.

Casis Elementary School Nurse

A school nurse at Hazel's elementary school who also has Type 1 diabetes, which helps Hazel feel less alone.

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What they’re saying

“We went to the after-hours pediatrician, and by the time they pricked her finger and checked for ketones, they said, 'Okay, you need to go to Dell Children's, and you won't have to wait in the emergency room. They'll take you straight back.' And so I thought, well, that's not great news.”

— Kathryn Ary, Hazel's mother (KXAN)

“Hazel loves that she's gotten to make other — we call them 'diabesties' — her other diabetes friends. [Breakthrough] has provided such a great opportunity to introduce us to other children and families.”

— Kathryn Ary, Hazel's mother (KXAN)

“It helps me feel like I'm not alone with diabetes, and it's not just kids that get diagnosed.”

— Hazel Ary (KXAN)

What’s next

The Ary family will host their annual Type 1 diabetes awareness walk on November 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The Ary family's story highlights the importance of community support and access to resources for families navigating a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, especially for children. Organizations like Breakthrough T1D play a vital role in connecting affected families and providing education and advocacy.