Children with Diabetes and the Diabetes Scholars Foundation

At the recent Children with Diabetes (CWD) Friends for Life (FFL) conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, we had the privilege of attending an inspiring fundraiser for the Diabetes Scholars Foundation. The Foundation funds multiple scholarships for families and young adults to attend the CWD FFL conference each year in July in Orlando. The Foundation also funds college scholarships ($1,000-$5,000) for high school seniors who have type 1 diabetes.

For those who are unfamiliar, FFL is the largest annual CWD conference and one of our favorite (by far!) conferences every year. Every summer, over 3,000 attendees have the chance to meet other families with diabetes, hear from some of the sharpest minds in the field on topics like the artificial pancreas, cure-focused research for type 1 diabetes, daily care, and hear from celebrities with diabetes like former NFL player Kendall Simmons, who earned two Super Bowl rings playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers – with type 1 diabetes, American Idol Crystal Bowersox, and IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball. The conference caters to the entire family, with programs for teens, tweens (10-12 years), elementary-age children (6-9 years), siblings, and grandparents, with childcare for children up to five years old. Adults with type 1 diabetes have a growing program as well. We encourage readers to get involved with the Diabetes Scholars Foundation and Children with Diabetes conferences by applying, fundraising, volunteering, or attending next year’s Friends for Life. For more information, visit www.childrenwithdiabetes.com and http://www.diabetesscholars.org. --AB/KC