Thom Solo Shares T1D Journey with Lawmakers at Breakthrough Event

Bridging Fashion and Activism: Thom Solo’s Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

Thom Solo has long been a name that resonates in the world of fashion, known for creating custom thigh-high boots for Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's sold-out "Cowboy Carter" tour. However, his impact extends far beyond the runway. As an advocate for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, he continues to bridge the worlds of fashion and activism, using his platform to raise awareness and support for this chronic autoimmune disease.

Last week, Solo attended the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children's Congress in Washington, D.C., an event that brings together approximately 170 youth delegates from around the globe. These young individuals, aged between 4 and 17, share their experiences with lawmakers and call for renewed federal support in the fight against T1D, a condition that affects the body's ability to produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.

As one of Breakthrough T1D's official role models, Solo had the opportunity to engage with the delegates during an interactive town hall. He shared his experiences and even took a group of young people to meet with Senator Elizabeth Warren to explain what T1D is and why special diabetes programs are essential.

"I'm looking forward to continuing the conversation of being a role model and being present with the youth, instilling proactiveness, kindness, compassion, and a strong sense of self within them," Solo said in an interview with Sourcing Journal.

In support of the event, Mattel U.K. announced a partnership with Breakthrough T1D, donating approximately $26,800 to help fund research, education, and support for T1D. The iconic toy brand's flagship line, Barbie, also created a one-of-a-kind doll honoring T1D advocate Lila Moss. This doll features a circular white Continuous Glucose Monitor on her arm, a square white Insulin Pump pod attached to the top of her leg, and a device in her handbag to monitor insulin levels.

"With diabetes, we have had so many incredible role models and people within the activist space, but we've never had such a well-known iconic individual like Barbie," Solo said. "She's really opening up a conversation about how much misunderstanding there is around T1D. I'm really excited for the spotlight that Barbie is putting on diabetes as a whole."

Solo, who was diagnosed with T1D at just two years old, has been deeply connected to the cause for decades. In fact, he helped inspire the original JDRF Children's Congress (now known as Breakthrough T1D) when, at age nine, he posed a pivotal question to his mom: "Why can't kids go to Washington and tell their Representatives what it's like to have T1D, and let them know we want scientists to find a cure?"

"It's so incredible to come back to this community after all these years and show youth that T1D is just a small part of who we are," Solo said. "It's not our whole identity. This disease can, on a day-to-day basis, sometimes make you feel incredibly alone. You look at me and you wouldn't necessarily know that I have anything going on until you maybe see the CGM or an insulin pump. It really is an invisible disease…until you experience the highs or lows of blood sugar, and then everything changes."

Being surrounded by this community and seeing so many people going through the same experience is unifying and gratifying. There was so much warmth in my heart, just being able to bond and talk about things that not everyone else would understand.

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