AYUDA 2025 Campo Amigo Program

My name is Luke Garvey, and I have lived with type one diabetes (T1D) for 13 years — I was diagnosed when I was 4 years old. This year, in an effort to give back to the community, I’m raising funds and volunteering for American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad (AYUDA), whose mission is to spread diabetes education through a three-week summer camp in the Dominican Republic. At the camp, we will work on teaching diabetes management, clearing misconceptions, and creating sustainable diabetes habits, while also showing the children how they can live with diabetes, not for it, and how they are more than their condition. 

The mission of AYUDA particularly resonates with me, given my many years living as a child and teenager with T1D. Through AYUDA, I am looking to give back to other children facing this diagnosis and share what I have learned. I have a deep interest in diabetes advocacy, and participating in AYUDA will help me understand the realities of different experiences with T1D and the extent to which support and education are important in its management. I am so excited to play a role in establishing support systems in Dominican communities, make personal connections to children, and lead fun and memorable activities.

AYUDA depends on fundraising for the functioning of all programs.* I would be so incredibly grateful if you could make a contribution to this important camp that will have life-changing impacts. Any amount is greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much!!

With gratitude,

Luke

* This money goes straight to the children, community, and program. It does NOT go towards my travel.