Pat McFeeley: Thinking big for cures

Pictured above: Pat McFeeley (number 407) and his wife, Shauna, at the 2024 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone more dedicated to Breakthrough T1D's mission than Pat McFeeley.

After his twin daughters were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) over 26 years ago at ages 1 ½ and 2 ½, Pat and his wife went all-in on fundraising and awareness-building. Since then, he has seen the direct impact of his efforts.

"The changes have been enormous since my daughters were diagnosed," he said. "The disease has become far more manageable-it allows them to think about everyday life instead of always thinking about their blood sugar."

But T1D is still something to manage. And Pat is doing everything he can to change that.

A volunteer and fundraising superstar

Pat has served in a tremendous number of volunteer roles at Breakthrough T1D over the years, including Ride champion, Speaker's Bureau member, Gala honoree, Gala chair, chapter board member, chapter board president, International Board of Directors member, chancellor, Ride coach, and Walk team captain.

And his dedication doesn't stop at volunteering.

Pat hosts an annual fundraiser in his backyard that draws hundreds of new supporters each year. He fills multiple tables at his chapter's Gala every year and has raised millions of dollars through sponsorships and Fund a Cure. His Walk team, the McFeeley Marchers, would often raise over $100,000 in a single year.

He accomplishes this all by aiming high and seeing the ripple effect one dedicated person can create.

"I do a lot of speaking for Breakthrough T1D around the country," he said. "One of the things that I tell all of my audiences is 'think big.' An individual can have an enormous impact."

Ride: The spirit of the T1D community

For Pat, the spirit and camaraderie at Breakthrough T1D Ride is second to none. "The mission is front and center the whole weekend," he said. "It's clear that when we all get on our bikes, it's to find a cure for type 1 diabetes."

Recently, Breakthrough T1D's North Carolina chapter wanted to grow its Ride program participation. Pat answered the call. He led a recruitment campaign in which he donated $250 to every new rider, returning rider, or rider who upgraded their fundraising package.

He also recruited George Hincapie, the most well-known American cyclist and 17-time Tour de France participant, to participate in the 2023 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Amelia Island. His efforts not only increased awareness of the Ride program but also resulted in more participants and more money raised.

Pat will continue to harness the energy of Breakthrough T1D Ride to support our mission of improving the lives of people with T1D until we find cures.

"To me, Ride is a great example of bringing together relationships and experiences and making a difference in the world for people living with T1D all at once," he said. "I think those are some of the most important things in life."

Breakthrough T1D 2025 Ride registration is now open!

Get involved today at Ride.BreakthroughT1D.org.

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