AYUDA 2023 Campo Amigo Program

Hi Everyone!!

My name is Cheyenne and I am so thrilled to share that I have been granted the opportunity to volunteer this summer with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic!

AYUDA is a non-profit volunteer-based organization dedicated to service, health promotion, and empowerment through education and leadership. AYUDA strives to support and empower youth to become pinnacle leaders of social change specifically within international communities of diabetes. AYUDA partners with an organization named Aprendiendo a Vivir, which translates to "learning to live", in the Dominican Republic. Together, we will work hand in hand to aid those in the DR living with T1D. 

My ongoing journey with Type One Diabetes (T1D) has been one that has just begun. Unlike many others who were diagnosed with T1D in their childhood, I was diagnosed at age 20. I had spent months enduring fatigue, polyuria, weight loss, and constantly feeling hungry. I never understood what I was going through until I was admitted to the hospital with a blood glucose level of 466 and an A1C of 14.6, which is double the normal level. Being diagnosed with such a stigmatized disease, that I myself had preconceived notions of, significantly stunned my life, self esteem, and overall perspective of life. I was not prepared at all to battle the things that come with diabetes such as the constant anxiety, body positivity issues, etc. However, I had a great support system, my friends and family took the time to learn about T1D with me and encouraged me to find resources such as dietitians, counselors, and support groups. I now recognize these things as tools that I was privileged to have and made a significant impact on my future living with T1D. 

Within this past year I truly feel like I am "learning to live" and am excited to be apart of the start of others first impression of diabetes education and their journey with T1D. Despite not being familiar with T1D for a majority of my life, I understand that the world of diabetes is changing with new technology emerging, health policy is changing, and the topic of insulin affordability is on the rise. And so, I am ready to insert myself into a new culture, learn a new language, empower those around me, and be the change I wish to see in the diabetes community! And with AYUDA, I could surely make this possible.

AYUDA endeavors to remain a grassroots volunteer-based organization in a unique way: by asking its volunteers to contribute a major part of the costs to run AYUDA’s programs, including the sponsorship of local diabetes projects, through fundraising. Without the dedication of individual volunteers, AYUDA would not be able to implement its programs to support local diabetes communities.

I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic on June 24, but my journey begins today. Please consider supporting my work this summer and the amazing work AYUDA does by making a contribution. Your donation is tax-deductible and quick and easy to make online. Your support ensures that local diabetes programs will continue to thrive and that young people in these communities will have access to education and tools that will help them live happier, healthier lives with diabetes. A donation of any size makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.