Living with type 1 diabetes comes with many unique challenges in all stages of life. For parents of children with the condition, financial, medical and emotional worries can be overwhelming. To help support people with diabetes and those who love them, Lilly Diabetes today announced it will donate $94,000 to the American Diabetes Association (Association) Campership program and $100,000 to the Diabetes Scholars Foundation (Foundation).
Both donations are part of Lilly's longstanding commitment to give people with diabetes access to education, community and inspiration.
Diabetes Camps Make a Difference
The Association conducts nearly 70 camp sessions annually throughout the U.S. to help children with type 1 diabetes develop skills to independently manage their diabetes through traditional camp activities, medical support and fun. Attending camp can instill confidence and help children understand they are not alone. In fact, a three-year survey conducted by the Association found that attending camp increased confidence and lowered diabetes-related stress in some campers.1
Lilly Diabetes' $94,000 donation goes directly to the Association's Campership program, which awards scholarships based on financial need. The amount represents $1,000 for each year Lilly has supported those living with diabetes since introducing the world's first commercial insulin in 1923. Lilly Diabetes is the largest supporter of diabetes camps in the U.S., donating $716,000 since 2008. The company also provides volunteers, diabetes medicines, educational materials for campers and caregivers and motivational speaker visits from well-known athletes and musicians, including Nashville recording artist, Crystal Bowersox.
"Camps are a unique experience for children and families to develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive while managing this disease," said Tamara Darsow, PhD, senior vice president, research and programs, American Diabetes Association. "We are committed to ensuring that finances are never a barrier to attending camp, and Lilly's support is critical to keeping that promise."
Easing the Transition to College
The transition from home to college can be stressful for any teen, especially those with type 1 diabetes. Balancing classes, assignments and campus activities while managing diabetes every day is a unique challenge. Lilly helps ease the financial burden by donating scholarship funds to the Diabetes Scholars Foundation to help these young adults pursue their dreams.
For the fifth consecutive year, Lilly will donate $100,000 to support the Lilly's Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship. The award recognizes high school seniors who will be attending college the following year, and who are active in the diabetes community, perform at a high academic level, participate in community and/or extracurricular activities and successfully manage life with diabetes.
Since 2012, Lilly has awarded 84 scholarships, with 57 percent of recipients attending a top-50 academically ranked college or university.
"Attending college is a major milestone for those with type 1 diabetes, and we understand the journey for them can be extra demanding," said Mary Podjasek, president, Diabetes Scholars Foundation. "Lilly shares our goal to help these young adults thrive and we are grateful they support our mission to help make college attainable for standout students with type 1 diabetes."
Support for Families and Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Beyond camp and college, a supportive community can have a powerful impact on families with children with type 1 diabetes. Lilly Diabetes designates a portion of its $100,000 Foundation donation to help families attend the Children with Diabetes® Friends for Life® (FFL) conference, an annual gathering of clinicians, researchers, physicians and families with diabetes, held in Orlando. Funding from Lilly Diabetes has helped 50 families attend FFL since 2012.
"Lilly Diabetes' mission is to support the needs of people with type 1 diabetes as they move through all stages of life," said Jaqueline Giovanoni, global director, advocacy and professional relations, Lilly Diabetes. "We are proud of our...
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