AYUDA 2023 Campo Amigo Program

Post Program Update: Now that the Campo Amigo program has wrapped up, I am so excited to share that it was an extremely successful and fulfilling experience, and in partnership with AAV, we were able to run multiple days of successful camps. After many days of planning and gathering necessary materials, it was amazing to watch all the hard work pay off, and create really meaningful experiences for all the kids. Thank you to everyone who contributed to my fundraiser, and supported my journey with AYUDA!

Hi! I am Susanna Johnsen, a sophomore at Campbell Hall School in Los Angeles, California.

I am excited to share that, this summer, I will be volunteering with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA) in the Dominican Republic. AYUDA uses an innovative peer-leadership model through which international volunteers serve as catalysts to empower local youth living with diabetes to live happier and healthier lives with their condition. Together with AYUDA's in-country partner organization, Aprendiendo a Vivir ("learning to live"), and my fellow volunteers, we will plan and implement community education initiatives, day-long diabetes outreach projects, and local capacity-building programs that motivate and support people of all ages with diabetes and their families. 

AYUDA places an awesome responsibility on its volunteers. By involving volunteers in multiple elements of the program, AYUDA provides hands-on experiences that inspire us to serve as agents of social change, not only in diabetes communities, but in other areas of our lives, as well. We work together with local youth in the Dominican Republic to deliver culturally appropriate and effective programs that are specifically based on the needs of the community with an eye toward long-term sustainability.

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. AYUDA brings together many people from many different backgrounds, who each raise money to aid AYUDA in reaching their goals. Without the dedication of individual volunteers, AYUDA would not be able to implement its programs to support local diabetes communities.

These programs are extremely important because there is a severe lack of Diabetes education in communities around the world, including the Dominican Republic. Without AYUDA running their programs, hundreds of kids wouldn’t have the invaluable opportunity to learn about their condition, and gain crucial knowledge needed to survive. I am volunteering with AYUDA because I am passionate about helping people in any way I can. This passion is a huge part of my life, and even the driving reason behind my aspiration to someday enter the medical field. I found that AYUDA is a great place to foster this passion as they are constantly striving to help people. A huge percentage of the people AYUDA helps are kids. These kids don’t get to choose where they are born, or what condition they are born with.They are just trying to survive in the circumstances given to them, which can be very challenging. However, AYUDA in partnership with AAV does an amazing job giving these kids the support they need.

I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic on June 24, but my journey begins today. Please consider supporting the amazing work AYUDA does by making a contribution. Your donation is tax-deductible and quick and easy to make online. The money raised can guarantee diabetic youth across the world have access to the education and resources they need so that they are able to have healthier lives fighting diabetes. No matter how small your contribution, it makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.