Until a cure is found, you have to live with diabetes. But you don’t have to live with it alone. JDRF has a wide range of informational resources and support networks that can help you.
Bag of Hope
For the newly diagnosed, we offer the Bag of Hope, a free bag filled with a comprehensive collection of educational and support materials. These materials include Rufus, the bear with diabetes, a blood sugar meter, a carbohydrate-counting tool, books, videos, and more. To receive a Bag of Hope, contact the JDRF Western Wisconsin Chapter at westernwi@jdrf.org.
Mentor Program
JDRF can connect you with another family or adult facing life circumstances similar to yours. For example, as an adult, you may be dealing with workplace issues, planning to have children, have financial/insurance concerns, and more. A family, on the other hand, may be facing a new diagnosis, dealing with sending a child to school or college for the first time, or trying to handle an increasingly independent teenager. Our family and adult mentors are volunteers who can share their personal experiences, answer non-medical questions, and most importantly, lend valuable, specialized support when you need it most. To be connected with a JDRF Mentor, contact JDRF Western Wisconsin Chapter at westernwi@jdrf.org.
School Advisory Toolkit
JDRF has developed a number of innovative programs and materials to assist parents and school personnel in working together on behalf of students with diabetes in a respectful and mutually beneficial manner. The toolkit can be downloaded free at online or you can request a printed version: www.jdrf.org/satrequest. You can also request a printed version from the JDRF Western Wisconsin Chapter at westernwi@jdrf.org.
Online Diabetes Support Team (ODST)
E-mail is often the most convenient way for people to communicate with one another, so JDRF also offers online support. The ODST is made up of many compassionate volunteers who know firsthand the ever-changing demands of living with type 1 diabetes. Contact us with your questions and we will respond within 48 hours (we are not medical professionals and therefore cannot give medical advice). For ongoing support, we will then match you with a local family mentor. To reach out to the ODST, visit our web site at www.jdrf.org/diabetessupport and fill out the brief request form.
Pen Pals
For children and teens ages four to eighteen, JDRF offers an immensely popular online pen pals program through our kids web site http://kids.jdrf.org. Kids can go to the site and browse for pen pals by age, or upload their own profiles and pictures so that others can find them. Even family and friends can participate. JDRF.org
Juvenation.org
Juvenation is the newest and largest type-1-specific social networking web site! The site offers a variety of groups and forums categorized by topic. You can even start your own group. It is a great place to make connections with people like you. Please visit http://www.juvenation.org/.
Clinical Trials Connection
Participating in a clinical trial is the most personal way you can help find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications. The Registry provides a customized search based on personalized criteria of a database of hundreds of clinical trials that are enrolling patients. You can also get a monthly email from the Registry that has up-to-date information about newly launched trials that you could be eligible for. Sign up and learn more at www.trials.jdrf.org.
Keys to Independence Booklet
A guide to help with the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care: Keys to Independence.
