About Us

What is Family Link?

The American Diabetes Association understands the daily routines of diabetes management for kids and families of all ages. Through Family Link we offer local events for parents and kids to have fun and learn more about diabetes.

It’s a great way to meet new families, help each other through sticky situations, and feel good about what you’re already doing! We even have a “peer pal” program so kids can find friends and have a shoulder to lean on to talk about diabetes and just, well … life!

To learn more about the Family Link program contact Danielle Blanchard at the Association at 617-482-4580 x3455 or dblanchard@diabetes.org.

Family Link, Youth Leader Program

Youth Leader Program: The newest component of the Family Link Program at the New England Region is the Youth Leader Program. Under the guidance of Association staff and trained volunteers, teens aged 14-19 are selected to participate in a year-long program with a philosophy that peer-to-peer mentorship and team building leads to positive outcomes among teens living with diabetes.

• Teens participate in “skill set days,” focus teams, and create local events in their communities (apple picking, ice skating, food demonstrations, and fundraisers).
• Become role models to younger youth in their communities providing support to the family and school.
• Are trained in public speaking and given opportunities to build relationships with health-care and community members.

Family Link, Safe at School

Through the Safe at School Campaign, the American Diabetes Association is committed to making sure that every student with diabetes is medically safe at school and has the same educational opportunities as every other child.

We offer free workshops to parents and school personnel and provide legal assistance with school challenges and issues and have trained parent advocates who represent the rights of students living with diabetes. These efforts are unique to the American Diabetes Association: no other diabetes organization advocates on this issue.

Family Link, Wisdom Kit

The American Diabetes Association Wisdom Kit is the new interactive, educational and entertaining kit for kid with diabetes (and their parents). Developed to provide all the “survival guide” info that kids and parents need to get them through the first 3-6 months after diagnosis, the kid consists of two books (one for kids one for parents), a binder to keep all your diabetes info, and everything you need to get “wize” and manage your life with diabetes.

Get your Wisdom Kit here and check it out!

Volunteer Parent Mentors

(Through the Family Link Program families)

Socialize with other families while learning more about diabetes care at the Family Link events locally.

• Join a web community developed just for caregivers
• Connect children to a safe Web community for kids with diabetes and their siblings at www.diabetes.org/planetD
• Receive Everyday Wisdom, a free kit that provides real-life strategies for everyday moments such as telling others about diabetes, etc.

Family Link, Camp and Weekend Retreats

Camp Carefree – New Durham, New Hampshire

The main goal of the program at American Diabetes Association Camp Carefree is to allow the campers to feel at ease and “accepted” in a community where having diabetes is the rule, not the exception. The campers learn to understand diabetes and the process of self-management under continuous skilled medical supervision.

Camp Carefree is a 2 week residential program designed for children – ages 8-15 years old.

Winter Weekend

For over 30 years, the American Diabetes Association has been able to offer a Winter Weekend Program for teens ages 13-17 in Fairlee, Vermont. It is an experience that can change lives forever, as teens gain an icreased understanding of diabetes and improve their self-management skills. Ropes course, ice skating, and sharing stories of challenge and triumph; these kids learn what it takes to become success stories while living with a chronic illness.

Planet D

A website just for kids with diabetes and other kids who care about them. Create a unique D-ID, join the message boards, or read up on the latest in diabetes news.

It’s the go to place online for kids with diabetes to explore, discover and connect.