Every year, approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.  Most of them are under the age of thirty, almost half are children.  A new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can spark a range of reactions, including anger, sadness, and guilt.  Whatever your feelings, they are normal, and you are not alone.   Diabetes poses challenges for every member of the family.  If you are the parent or support person of a child with type 1 diabetes, it will take time to adapt to the day-to-day demands of the disease. But treatment options are improving all the time, and diabetes will not prevent you or your child from living a full and active life. With medical and emotional support, children with diabetes and their families will learn to cope with the demands that the disease imposes. A child with diabetes, depending on age, will learn to take over much of his or her care. As time goes by, everyone will gain knowledge and confidence, and be able to celebrate successes, learn from mistakes, and move away from the intense feelings common after diagnosis.  

At your child's initial diagnosis, understandably, primary concerns are learning about and coping with diabetes, learning the critical survival skills, mastering basic day-to-day needs, and reaching out for additional resources and support systems. The Bag of Hope, generously sponsored by Roche Diagnostics, was developed by JDRF to provide a little help.  Included are sample products, books, a video and some information to help make this difficult period a bit easier.  

The Desert Southwest Chapter also has the ability to connect your family with a Mentor or Veteran family who are in or have been in situations similar to yours. This connection helps new families know what to expect, how to cope and can ease the transition into the world of diabetes with new friendships. If you would like to be connected to a Mentor family in your area, please complete a Family Information Form that will allow the Desert Southwest Chapter to pair your family with the appropriate Mentor family. Family Information Form PDF | Word DOC

The Desert Southwest Chapter of JDRF offers local programs to support newly diagnosed individuals and their families. The Type One Families United Network (T.O.F.U.N.) enables your and your child to gather with other parents and children affected by type 1 diabetes at parties, picnics and social events – some are even coupled with informational sessions and expert panels. Children learn early on that they are not the only kids who must watch what they eat, check their blood sugar levels, and take insulin shots or wear an insulin pump. The T.O.F.U.N. program also consists of support groups where parents can share information on care and coping skills and lend emotional support to one another. To view a list of upcoming events, please visit the Chapter's Calendar of Events.