AYUDA 2024 Campo Amigo Program

I am so excited to share that I will be spending time in the Dominican Republic this summer to volunteer with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA) and work with out local partnership Aprendiendo A Vivir (AVV). 

If you know anything about me, you know my passion for diabetes consumes my whole life without a doubt and I would not have it any other way. I was diagnosed with T1D when I was only two years old and while some people might see that as a curse, I have seen it as an absolute blessing. Getting diagnosed at such a young age has shed a light on this disease that I think most people might not believe is possible to have. Diabetes is all I have ever known, therefore I do not know what a life without it is like. This has left the impact it has had on me and my friends and family extremely special. 

For as long as I can remember I have said that I want to be able to travel the world and help kids with diabetes and show them that you can have a fulfilling life while living with this disease. Once I got older I thought there was not much opportunity to do this so I gave up on that dream. When I heard about AYUDA I knew immediately I had to be apart of this organization. It stands for everything that I have ever believed in my 18 years of living with T1D. 

I am the first person to recognize that I am extremely fortunate and lucky to have an immense amount financial and emotional support in batting this disease. This is why living with T1D has been so smooth (for the most part) for me. With that being said, it is no secret that this is not the case for many youth around the world. Being apart of AYUDA, I will be able to serve as an agent of social change and work hands on with the children learning to navigate life with T1D, as well as their family members. This is an opportunity that is everything that I have ever believed and stood for. My time spent in the Dominican will allow me to pour my drive and optimism into the youth that might not think that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Me, along side the rest of the volunteers, will show them that there is in fact light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we will be empowered to promote real change in the lives and circumstances of the diabetes community. 

 I will traveling to the Dominican on July 6th, but my journey begins today. My fundraising goal is $7,000. Without volunteers and support from our fundraising, programs like AYUDA would be impossible to run! 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.