AYUDA 2026 Campo Amigo Program

My name is Luke Garvey. I’m a senior in high school, and I have lived with type one diabetes (T1D) for 14 years—I was diagnosed when I was four years old. In an effort to continue giving back to the diabetes community, I’m returning for a second time to raise funds and volunteer with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad (AYUDA), whose mission is to spread diabetes education through an educational (but fun!) summer camp in the Dominican Republic. At the camp, we teach diabetes management, clear misconceptions, and help children build sustainable habits for living with diabetes while also showing the children how they can live with diabetes, not for it, and how they are far more than their condition. 

Last summer, I had an incredible time and felt humbled to be a part of Campo Amigo which affected real change. I witnessed firsthand many kids learning practical skills and adopting mindsets that would help to improve their lives living with diabetes. Whether it was teaching kids about highs and lows, showing them they are more than their condition, reminding them they can do anything a “normal” kid can do, or helping someone overcome a fear of needles, I saw that each and every camper left camp with new lessons learned. Campo also provides something many campers have never experienced before—the chance to meet other kids living with diabetes and learn they are not alone.

AYUDA is more than just Campo Amigo, however. AYUDA works with Aprendiendo a Vivir (AAV), a year-round in-country organization, to ensure sustainable programs. With the support of AAV, AYUDA also hosts outreach programs for adults living with diabetes, as well as opportunities to talk to parents of kids with diabetes. I was honored to have a heartfelt conversation with the parent of a newly diagnosed young girl. It was both eye-opening to hear a parent’s perspective abroad and meaningful to share my own story and show that diabetes does not limit what we can achieve.

The mission of AYUDA particularly resonates with me, given my many years living as a child and teenager with T1D. Through AYUDA, I give back to other children facing this diagnosis and share what I have learned. I have a deep interest in diabetes advocacy, and continuing to work with AYUDA will help me further create meaningful change. I am so excited to enhance 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 help make this life-changing camp and program possible for children living with diabetes. Any amount is greatly appreciated (and tax-deductible!!)

Thank you so much!!

With gratitude,

Luke

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

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).