Happy Diabetes Awareness Month
Hello, DFC Families, Friends, and Volunteers
In just a few short days, we will kick-off National Diabetes Awareness Month. November will be filled with statistics, stories of resilience, and the power of people like you balancing the daily challenges of managing blood sugars while living your best life.
The DFC knows that this balance is not easy. We all struggle with the constant decision-making, the influx of blood sugar data on our phones or watches, the calls to order supplies, doctor appointments, and so much more, but we also know that we are not alone. The DFC community is here to offer a community filled with supportive people who can help us find the PMA, Positive Mental Attitude, in every situation. So, this month, instead of adding to the decision-making and the information overload, we will celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month by doing what we do best … Share the stories of a community focused on our values and making the best of living with type 1 diabetes.
If you would like to share your story of PMA, Teamwork, Community, or Belonging, please reach out to Emily Barger at emily@thedfc.org. We would love to share your story as part of Diabetes Awareness Month.
PMA It Forward Campaign
Between now and December 31st, you have the power to transform lives by giving the gift of PMA to others through our annual PMA it Forward giving campaign. Be a part of the PMA movement with a contribution that will help us serve more people, offer new programming, serve those who need it most, and empower our community to thrive.
We encourage our community to join the conversation and share important messages with their community and followers. By leveraging your individual networks, you have the power to spark a dialogue on the importance of The Diabetes Family Connection and its impact across individuals and communities. The attached campaign messaging guide contains recommended ways to share our story.
We also challenge you to spread PMA by sharing a different PMA It Forward Feature every day throughout the month of November, highlighting how that individual has had a positive impact on your life! It is scientifically proven that showing gratitude can support greater health, happiness, and wisdom in ourselves and our communities. When sharing your PMA It Forward Feature, use this template, tag @thediabetesfamilyconnection, and include our fundraising link.
Fall Retreat Fun
The weekend of October 13-15 the DFC hosted its 3rd Fall Retreat. It was full of learning, friendships, teamwork, love, and PMA - for both the families and the teens. The family fall retreat included making PMA gardens, high ropes, field games, important discussions, a chance to connect with other T1D families, and so much more. The teens spent a lot of time working on their leadership and teamwork skills by taking the initiative throughout the weekend leading their peers. They organized and performed skits for the families around the campfire, conquered the low ropes course, participated in team-building games, and were challenged to teach their peers something new, all while also growing their connections with each other.
Time at camp is always special, but especially when time is short. Whenever you leave camp, you are able to leave with more love in your heart and a reassuring feeling that you can deal with everything on your plate. We were ecstatic to see new friendships forming between the kids at the family and teen retreat while also seeing the parents find a community of people who are all going through the same thing. Thank you to all those who came, and we hope to see you all again soon!
If you attended the Fall retreat and have not completed your survey, please do so using the links below.
The DFC Staff Survey https://forms.gle/KHs9ZdS4LTdzVAcH8
The DFC Family Retreat Surveyhttps://forms.gle/bKHBhavpEni4KuR49
The DFC Teen Retreat Survey https://forms.gle/mKRq15iZfKVEe8N86
DFC Staff Highlight
Meet Erika Peterfy, a compassionate and dedicated DFC medical staff volunteer who selflessly devotes her time to arranging a skilled and caring medical staff for Camp Morris and DFC retreats. Erika has been serving the diabetic community as a clinical pharmacist for over ten years. Our organization is grateful to have her on our team.
With her unwavering commitment to the safety of our campers, Erika ensures that each camper receives the best possible care and creates a safe, supportive, and educational environment where campers can safely take more control of their diabetes, build confidence, and make unforgettable memories.
SAVE THE DATE
Join us for DFC Town Hall
Please mark your calendars and join us for a DFC Town Hall meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, November 15th, at 7 pm. During this call, you will hear from our DFC Board, receive a recap of our successful 2023, and get a glimpse into our 2024! Registration is required for the call. You can register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcOmpqTstE9GbDTWTtfDxrdcpqeMwihsb