AYUDA 2025 Campo Amigo Program

Hi, it's Zora! Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. At the height of the pandemic, this disease seemed insignificant in comparison with COVID-19. However, for my life, it was not insignificant. I suddenly had to keep track of everything I put into my body, the carbohydrates and sugar contents that could easily spike my blood sugar. I had to understand what high and low blood sugars were, how they made me feel, and the dangers. I had to mature faster than my peers with this new diagnosis and be responsible for my own health. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was never really able to form a diabetic community. Navigating diabetes on its own was hard enough, but I also felt very isolated from other diabetics. I attended online meet-ups and got involved with diabetes organizations virtually, but it just wasn’t the same as forming face-to-face connections. This year, AYUDA presented itself as an opportunity for me to finally join a diabetic community. Not only will I be connected with the other diabetic volunteers, but I will also act as a mentor to younger kids with diabetes, something that I am really looking forward to.   

I am excited to share 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 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.

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.