A Decade of Saving Lives Together

Backdrop of the A4D's 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner

11 December, Singapore — Action4Diabetes (A4D) marked its 10th Anniversary with a Fundraising Gala Dinner that brought together partners, friends and supporters who have shaped the organisation's journey over the past decade. While the evening celebrated an important milestone, its focus remained firmly on the children and young people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) whom A4D exists to serve.

From its beginnings supporting just 20 children in Yangon, A4D today works across seven countries in South-East Asia, supporting over 1,000 children and young people with access to life-saving medical supplies and care, T1D education, and ongoing support. This growth, as co-founder Charles Toomey shared in the host welcome during the evening, has been made possible through sustained partnerships grounded in a shared commitment to health equity and long-term impact for those living with T1D.

From L-R: Evasio Barbero, CFO, Zuellig Pharma; John Graham, CEO, Zuellig Pharma; Dr. Steven James, University of the Sunshine Coast; Charles Toomey & Jerry Gore, A4D Co-founders; Tadej Battelino, Chair, ATTD; Prof Yazid Jalaludin, A4D's Volunteer Medical Advisor; Dr. Klemen Dovc, University Medical Center Ljubljana; Julia Touvet, Head of Export Markets & Partnership, SEA, Sanofi.

From L-R: Anita Sabidi, A4D Coordinator, Indonesia; Prof Alicia Jenkins, Chair, IDF-WPR; Charles Toomey & Jerry Gore, A4D Co-founders; Dr. Steven James, University of the Sunshine Coast; Dr Shailendra Bajpai, Medical & Public Affairs, Director, embecta; Kar Yiu Hong, Medical Associate, embecta; Fiona Ooi, Regional Manager, A4D

Over the past decade, key partners including Zuellig Pharma, Sanofi Global Health Unit (GHU), Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), Helmsley Charitable Trust, Intega Healthcare and embecta have played an integral role in A4D's work. Their collaboration has contributed not only to improving access to essential insulin and crucial T1D medical supplies, but also to strengthening T1D education, healthcare professional training, and broader health system capacity building across the region.

The evening opened with remarks from Tadej Battelino, Chair of ATTD (Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes), who acknowledged the inequity in T1D care in LMICs and called for unity in addressing these gaps. This was followed by a video capturing the impact of A4D's work over the past decade. Images and footage depicted children learning to monitor their blood glucose, families navigating the uncertainty of a new diagnosis, healthcare professionals building skills and confidence, and young people growing into informed and empowered self-advocates. Together, the visuals underscored a central truth of A4D's work: behind every programme, every shipment of supplies, and every data point is a human life.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to memorable performances. Annaleigh, a young and talented ballerina living with T1D in Singapore, captivated the audience with a beautiful dance, while an entertaining duo Jeremy and Kendrick, from AGOPSG played a lively set featuring multi-lingual songs and a humorous rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas."

Jerry Gore, A4D's Co-founder introducing Dorm Kok

The highlight of the evening came when co-founder Jerry Gore introduced Dorm Kok, an A4D beneficiary from Cambodia, who was interviewed by the emcee for the night, Candy Gan from TypeOne.Sg. Speaking candidly, Dorm Kok shared the challenges of growing up with T1D in a context where access to care was limited, and the fear and uncertainty that accompanied his diagnosis. His story is similar to so many of those on A4D's programme, and it served as a powerful reminder that A4D's work is not solely about provision, but about empowering and enabling children and young people with T1D to manage their condition well so they are able to look to the future with confidence.

From L-R: Dorm Kok, A4D Beneficiary, Cambodia; Sarin Chan, A4D Coordinator, Cambodia; Candy Gan, Emcee, TypeOne.SG

Dorm Kok receiving the 10 year Journey Award from Jeff Hitchcock, Children With Diabetes

The evening's spirit of generosity was evident throughout the evening. Guests took part in a silent auction, bidding generously on donated items to raise additional funds. The highlight of the silent auction was an hour of “Tea with Tony Fernandes”, courtesy of Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, the driving force behind AirAsia and Capital A.

Proceeds from the auction, together with generous donations and ticket sales, raised just over USD 40,000—funds that will go directly towards supporting children and young people living with T1D across A4D's programmes in the region.

TypeOne.Sg, a local advocacy group for those living with T1D in Singapore, played a central role in bringing the Gala Dinner to life, working closely with the A4D team to ensure that the evening reflected both the spirit and purpose of A4D's mission.

Team TypeOne.SG x A4D

As the night drew to a close, a consistent message emerged: this Fundraising Gala Dinner was not an endpoint, but a moment of reflection and renewed commitment. For A4D and its partners, the work ahead remains clear, to continue working collaboratively to improve access to life-saving care for children and young people living with T1D across South-East Asia.

Ten years on, the evening stood as a testament to what partnership can achieve, and to the lives changed when compassion is matched with action.

Taking on Type 1. Together.