New Year, New Community Connections in Orlando & Central Florida
Every January brings a sense of possibility — a chance to reset, reconnect, and look ahead. For all of us at Touched by Type 1, 2026 feels especially meaningful as we step into a brand-new year of Community Connections across Orlando and Central Florida, designed to bring people together at every stage of life with type 1 diabetes.
Last year reminded us just how powerful the Central Florida type 1 diabetes community truly is. From packed rooms and skating rinks in Orlando to quiet, heartfelt conversations between parents who finally felt understood, 2025 showed us something important: what people want most isn’t just information — it’s connection.
It’s knowing you’re not the only one navigating carb counts, CGM alarms, school forms, late-night lows, and the emotional weight that comes with living with type 1 diabetes.
That’s why this year’s Orlando-based Community Connections calendar is one of our most diverse and intentional yet — with events for kids, teens, parents, caregivers, young adults, and adults living with type 1 diabetes throughout Orlando and the surrounding Central Florida area. Because there is no single way to live with T1D — and there should never be just one place to find your people.
Two Orlando Events You Don’t Want to Miss First
We’re kicking off 2026 with two incredible Orlando Community Connections events designed to bring families together right away:
🛼 Skate Night — January 24 | Orlando
Our annual Skate Night at Semoran Skateway in Orlando is all about fun, laughter, and seeing kids and families light up in a space where no one has to explain their diabetes. It’s free, family-friendly, and full of energy — the perfect way to start the year surrounded by people in the Orlando T1D community who truly get it.
💜 Parents’ Night Out — February 7 | Central Florida
We know how rare it is for parents of kids with type 1 diabetes in Central Florida to truly step away and breathe. Parents’ Night Out gives families the chance to leave their kids with T1D-trained staff while they enjoy a few hours of rest, connection, or just a quiet meal — without worry.
Both events are free, and both are about more than just a good time. They’re about relief, joy, and community.
RSVP now to reserve your spot at these Orlando-area events.
Looking Ahead to a Powerful Spring in Central Florida
As we move into spring, we’re also excited for two cornerstone Central Florida fundraising events that continue to grow year after year:
Steps to a Cure returns for its second year in Orlando, bringing families, friends, and supporters together to walk for something bigger than ourselves — raising awareness and funds for type 1 diabetes research and community programs.
And Golfing FORE Diabetes brings our Orlando and Central Florida partners out on the course to raise funds and awareness in support of the mission we all share.
Each of these moments helps fuel the work we do — not just in research funding, but in building a local network where people living with type 1 diabetes feel seen, supported, and less alone.
From One Orlando Dance to a Movement
It’s incredible to think that all of this began right here in Orlando, with just one event: Dancing for Diabetes, 25 years ago.
What started as a single night of fundraising and togetherness in Central Florida has grown into a year-round calendar of connection, care, and community — reaching families across Orlando, the surrounding region, and beyond.
That spirit hasn’t changed. We still believe that when people come together — whether it’s on a dance floor, a skating rink, a walking path, or around a table — real impact happens.
Find Your People in Orlando & Beyond
Type 1 diabetes can be isolating — but in Orlando and Central Florida, it doesn’t have to be.
These Community Connections events exist so no one has to walk this journey alone.
We invite you to:
RSVP and join us at an upcoming Orlando-area Community Connections event
Follow Touched by Type 1 on social media for updates across Central Florida
Reach out and tell us what city you’d love to see next
Because this community belongs to you — and we can’t wait to keep growing it together in Orlando and Central Florida throughout 2026.
Learn more and view the full Community Connections calendar: www.touchedbytype1.org
