AYUDA 2026 Campo Amigo Program

Hi! I would love to tell you about AYUDA, a program that I am so excited to be part of!  From July 18th-August 5th, I will be in the Dominican Republic with AYUDA* as we create camps for children living with diabetes and their families. I am writing to you because, in addition to volunteering in the DR, volunteers raise funds that make this program possible.

What is AYUDA? 

AYUDA, or American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, is a peer leadership model – youth leading youth –  that aims to support children living with diabetes. Since 1997, AYUDA has trained over 850 volunteers who have served in over 20 countries and received international recognition, including from UNESCO and the World Bank. 

The principle behind AYUDA is that a lack of education is just as dangerous as a lack of insulin. 

With AYUDA’s in-country sister organization, Aprendiendo a Vivir ("learning to live"), we will create diabetes-based games, activities, and outreach with the goal of supporting young people of all ages with diabetes and their family members to help them navigate the condition in an engaging, happy, and child oriented way!  Your support will go to implementing and sponsoring the local project in the Dominican Republic. 

Why I am so excited to be participating:

I am thrilled to be a part of AYUDA because it creates a community around working with children, diabetes, and Spanish, three things about which I am passionate. Working with children has always been a joy of mine. Last year, I volunteered at a preschool (Trust Early Learners) that aimed to bridge educational gaps and bring kids together from a multitude of backgrounds. I talked about their differences, embraced them, and made sure each kid understood their differences in a positive light, but above all we just played as one. AYUDA of course is a different program with a different mission but many of the same ideas apply. 

I do not live with T1D, but I became fascinated with it two years ago (I currently want to go into pediatric endocrinology) and have since learned a ton about living with diabetes. I have learned about diabetes from many perspectives but am most excited about working with kids with diabetes –  helping them learn to manage it on their own without feeling like they are defined by living with diabetes.

AYUDA is one of very few programs that puts real responsibility on the volunteers. 

We learn to handle medical situations while remaining calm, we create fun mediums for kids to learn and play, we lead activities to empower kids in their diabetes management, and most importantly learn from people from many walks of life. 

In short:  

I am deeply excited and honored to be a part of such a difference-making program. Your donation is tax-deductible and quick and easy to make online. A donation of any size genuinely makes a difference and is hugely appreciated.

I will travel to the Dominican Republic on July 17th, but my journey begins today. Please consider supporting my work this summer and AYUDA’s amazing work by making a contribution. Your support goes primarily to the education programming and diabetes supplies while we are there, but any money left over goes to Aprendiendo A Vivir to continue to support the families year round. This 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.

I’d love for you to reach out with any questions about AYUDA or why I am so excited to be a part of it! I am grateful for your contributions and encouragement as I continue to pursue my passion working with the diabetes community both in the U.S. and abroad.

Thank you so much for your support! I ardently believe in AYUDA’s cause and realize the incredible difference they are making. Juntos somos mas fuertes; together we are stronger.

With gratitude, 

Adele

 *Please note that none of your donations fund my plane tickets or travel in any way. Additionally, while we will be there for just 3 weeks, this money goes to support the families year round. 

Since 1997, AYUDA has trained over 850 volunteers who have served in over 20 countries. The volunteer program is distinguished for its excellence by the International Volunteer Program Association and has been recognized for social entrepreneurship and innovation by Ashoka, the World Bank as a 2007 Development Marketplace Finalist, and the United Nations as an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UNESCO).