AYUDA 2024 Campo Amigo Program

Dear Friends and Family,

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) just before my 9th birthday after my parents noticed considerable changes in my behavior and appearance. My doctors were able to diagnose me with T1D, and we started treating the condition quickly. Because of the support from my friends and family during these challenging times, I was able to find a way to thrive with Type 1 Diabetes. The community I surrounded myself with in those initial years helped me understand that, with appropriate resources and education, anyone can live a normal life with T1D.  I began my support of the T1D community in 2016, and I am thrilled to continue my work in new ways today!

I am excited to share that, this summer, I will be furthering my advocacy for the diabetes community by volunteering with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA). AYUDA is a non-profit volunteer organization that empowers youth to serve as agents of change in diabetes communities around the world. I am thrilled to join a group of young advocates in the Dominican Republic this summer to empower local youth living with diabetes to live happier and healthier lives. With AYUDA's in-country partner organization, Aprendiendo a Vivir ("learning to live"), and my fellow volunteers, we plan and implement community education initiatives, day-long diabetes outreach projects, and run Campo Amigo. Campo Amigo is a family-centered, two-weekend diabetes education program that seeks to motivate and support people of all ages with diabetes. During our time there, our activities will be guided by the basic concept that, “A lack of education is just as dangerous as a lack of insulin.” 

AYUDA places an awesome responsibility on its volunteers by involving us in multiple elements of the program! The organization 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. As volunteers, we are asked to raise money so AYUDA can continue its amazing work. Without the dedication of individual volunteers from the United States and the Dominican Republic, we would not be able to implement programs like Camp Amigo that support local diabetes communities.

This summer, I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic on July 6, but my journey begins today. Please consider supporting my work this summer and the amazing programs that AYUDA hosts. Your support makes sure that local diabetes programs in the Dominican Republic will continue to thrive and that young people in these communities will have access to education and tools that help them live happier, healthier lives with diabetes. By donating to my page, you can help me make Campo Amigo 2024 successful and impactful! 

Feel free to reach out with any questions about my work or AYUDA in general! I appreciate your support as I begin a new chapter of my work in the diabetes community. 

Thank you, 

Margaret Rauth