Breakthrough T1D honored longtime advocate and community leader Andi Boutwell at its annual Oklahoma City Gala, held April 26 at the Omni Hotel.

With over 360 guests in attendance and more than $500,000 raised for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, the event marked a record- breaking milestone for the Oklahoma City market.

Boutwell, who grew up in Kingfisher and currently resides in Piedmont, was recognized for her extraordinary impact and 23 years of service to the T1D community.

Since her daughter Brooke’s diagnosis with type 1 diabetes in 2001, Boutwell has turned personal adversity into a mission of advocacy, support and hope for families across the state.

The evening’s most touching moment came when Andi was introduced by her daughter, Brooke Boutwell, who delivered an emotional tribute to her mother’s unwavering devotion to the cause.

“Andi is truly the heart of Breakthrough T1D in Oklahoma,” said Trish Winters, Oklahoma market director. “Her leadership, compassion, and perseverance have shaped the progress we’ve made over the past two decades.”

As the longest-serving board member of Breakthrough T1D Oklahoma, Boutwell has chaired fundraising galas, led walk teams, hosted grassroots events and volunteered at nearly every initiative the organization has undertaken.

Her commitment extends from the personal – managing sleepless nights of blood sugar highs and lows – to the public, where she continues to advocate for better treatment access and breakthrough research.

Due to champions like Boutwell, Breakthrough T1D has accelerated research toward cures and better treatments for the 18,000 Oklahomans living with T1D, including more than 400 newly diagnosed each year.

“The 2025 Oklahoma City Gala was not only a celebration of progress – it was a testament to the power of people like Andi Boutwell, who turn their personal stories into lasting change,” Winters said.