AYUDA 2024 Campo Amigo Program

Hi everyone! I am excited to share that, this summer, I will be volunteering with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA) in the Dominican Republic. As you may know, I've been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 8 years, and I am so excited to be able to make a change within the diabetes community.

AYUDA is a non-profit volunteer-based organization that empowers youth to serve as agents for social change for other youth in diabetes communities abroad. A guiding principle of AYUDA is A lack of diabetes education is just as dangerous as a lack of insulin. Through AYUDA's innovative peer-leadership model, international volunteers empower local diabetic youth in the Dominican Republic to live happier and healthier lives with their conditions. I was instantly drawn to AYUDA and their mission as a Type 1 Diabetic. This is an opportunity to truly make a positive impact paired with a personal connection.

Together with AYUDA's in-country partner organization, Aprendiendo a Vivir ("learning to live"), me and my fellow volunteers will plan and implement community education initiatives, day-long diabetes outreach projects, and local capacity-building programs that motivate and support local youth with diabetes in the Dominican Republic and their families. Overall, we will be working 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. 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 July 6, but my journey begins today. Please consider supporting my work this summer and the amazing work AYUDA does by making a contribution. With your help, 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. 

I have been so lucky to receive so much support and motivation throughout my journey with Type 1 Diabetes, and I am looking forward to sharing this spirit in the Dominican Republic this summer. 

Thank you so much!!!

- Sydney