The Desert Southwest Chapter offers an Outreach Program to support families with a child that has been newly diagnosed with diabetes.  The program’s goal is to deliver a care package of information to help families learn more about diabetes, diabetes research and the management and control of the disease.  Along with this valuable information about type 1 diabetes, the Mentor Program pairs newly diagnosed families with another family who has been through the same experience.   

WHAT IS THE BAG OF HOPE?   The Bag of Hope is a free bag filled with a comprehensive collection of educational, comfort and support material for children ages newborn to 11years old (except in New Mexico, there is no age limit), as well as materials for the adult caregiver.  Included in the bag are items such as: Rufus the Bear - a cuddly stuffed animal with diabetes, an Accu-Chek Compact Blood Meter, a Carbohydrates Counter Slide Tool, diabetes books for children and adult and much more.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?   After you contact the JDRF office, your information will be given to a Mentor volunteer in your area.  This volunteer is a parent of a child with diabetes, and he or she will contact you to set up a meeting to deliver the Bag of Hope in person.  Visits are scheduled at the mutual convenience of the volunteer and family. At the meeting, the Mentor Volunteer will bring the Bag of Hope and talk with the entire family, when possible.  The volunteer can answer non-medical questions and share stories about personal experiences.  Most importantly, they have been in your shoes and can help to provide a valuable support system for your child and family.

In addition to the process above, Desert Southwest Chapter also distributes Bags of Hope through local endocrinologists.  After they receive the Report Form, the mentor will then move forward and contact the family.

HOW DO I REQUEST A BAG OF HOPE?   Simply complete the Family Information Form and  mail, fax or email the completed form to your local chapter. A Bag of Hope can be mailed or delivered to you by a Mentor Family. Family Information Form PDF | Word DOC