AYUDA 2025 Campo Amigo Program

Hello! My name is Mira. I am excited 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. Without the dedication of individual volunteers, AYUDA would not be able to implement its programs to support local diabetes communities.

In the Dominican Republic, access to diabetes care is limited. Many families face challenges accessing insulin, blood glucose monitors, and diabetes education. The total per capita direct cost of diabetes in the Dominican Republic is $888. Over 50% of these costs are from hospitalizations, meaning that people struggle to manage their diabetes. Diabetes also receives less research and funding than less common diseases, such as HIV/AIDS in the DR, even though it is a widespread health issue in the country. These disparities and lack of resources make diabetes management a challenge. Living with a chronic condition like diabetes does not just affect health, it also affects someone’s personhood. I have learned that acknowledging someone’s full identity is crucial. AYUDA ensures that young people are able to take care of their health AND feel supported emotionally. AYUDA works with local organizations to empower Dominican families and raise awareness, helping to build long-term solutions. 

I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic on July 19th, but my journey begins today. Please consider supporting my work this summer and the amazing work AYUDA does by making a contribution. Your donation is tax-deductible and quick and easy to make online. 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. 

100% of the money I raise goes directly to helping Dominican children living with diabetes and their families. This is not for my travel or accommodations.