AYUDA 2025 Campo Amigo Program

Hi everyone! I am so excited to return to the Dominican Republic this summer as a volunteer for my second year with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA)

As you may know, I have been living with Type 1 Diabetes for nine years. Rushed to the emergency room and diagnosed just three days after my ninth birthday, my life was completely changed in an instant. I am so grateful for the support system and technology that has guided me and allowed me to live my life to the fullest with my condition. 

Furthermore, I am so incredibly thankful for AYUDA, which has provided me with the opportunity to turn my experience with Type 1 Diabetes into something bigger than myself–a positive impact within the diabetes community that has been more rewarding and eye-opening than I could ever imagine.

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. Through collaboration with AYUDA's in-country partner foundation, Aprendiendo a Vivir (“learning to live”), we work to develop and implement educational initiatives, diabetes outreach programs in various Dominican communities, and facilitate multiple days of Campo Amigo–a family-centered camp for children of all ages living with Diabetes, like myself.

Guided by AYUDA’s core belief that “a lack of diabetes education is just as dangerous as a lack of insulin,” Campo Amigo offers children living with Diabetes in the Dominican Republic–many from under-resourced communities–a space to learn, connect, and feel empowered. At camp, my fellow volunteers and I lead fun, educational activities that strengthen campers’ understanding of diabetes and build their confidence in living happier and healthier lives with their condition. 

I cannot describe how meaningful it was to connect with these children each camp day. Despite the gap in our diabetes education, management, access to resources, and the language barrier, I was able to have the most heartfelt conversations with campers, bonding over our shared condition and how it makes us stronger. AYUDA has left a lasting impact on me, and being a part of something that empowers each camper to build their own model of success has been one of the most powerful parts of it all. 

As a volunteer-based organization, AYUDA relies on volunteers, like me, and support from fundraising to keep its amazing programs running. Without the support of donors and volunteers both in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, these initiatives wouldn’t be possible.

My goal is to raise $7,000, which will go directly to supporting Dominican families and children with diabetes. 100% of the funds support the incredible work of AYUDA and Aprendiendo a Vivir. Please consider contributing to my fundraiser to help ensure that local diabetes programs in the Dominican Republic continue to thrive, providing children and families with the education and medical supplies they need to live healthier, happier lives.

Although I don’t leave for the Dominican Republic until July 19th, my journey begins today. Your support will help make Campo Amigo 2025 successful and impactful! A contribution of any size makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much,

Sydney Lipp