In My Community

American Diabetes Association Family Link is a program helping families that have children with diabetes make connections, get educated and get involved in the fight to Stop Diabetes® through year-round opportunities including educational events, fun get-togethers and more! Family Link is the umbrella for all Association youth and family programs.

Sign up for the monthly local Family Link newsletter! Contact us for more information.

Local Family Link Programs

Family Retreat

This free educational program offers families the opportunity to enjoy expert speakers discussing topics important to them, like new technologies and research, daily management and family dynamics through educational workshops, breakout sessions, and group discussions. At Family Retreat you will also meet other families that share your triumphs and challenges and receive helpful resources about the latest diabetes news and programs. However, Family Retreat is not just for parents because children enjoy fun games and activities and learn something along the way as well!

2013 American Diabetes Association Family Retreat
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Lindeman Pavilion at Virginia Mason Medical Center

Download the flyer and register today!

CCamp Sealth

hildren with diabetes come to Camp Sealth for the exciting outdoor activities, like archery, canoeing, hiking, campfires and much more. They leave camp with a better understanding of their diabetes through shared ideas and experiences with their fellow campers. At Camp Sealth, leading medical professionals from the local community provide all medical care for children with diabetes. Through education, exciting activities and camaraderie, summer camp helps campers increase self-confidence, learn new skills and improve diabetes self-management.

2013 Camp Sealth in Vashon, WA. July 31-August 5, 2013. Visit the Camp Sealth page for more information.

Safe at School

Children with diabetes can face challenges in obtaining adequate care in schools and day care centers. The Association helps families navigate this often overwhelming arena, informing parents about children's rights in public and private schools through educational workshops, resource materials and expert advice. The Association is here every step of the way; from education to negotiation to legislation.

Be sure to check out the great online tools at www.diabetes.org/safeatschool. Also be sure to watch the free online Parent Advocacy Webinar TODAY!

Join us at the upcoming Safe at School workshops:

• Tuesday, August 20, 2013
  Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
  Tacoma, WA

• Wednesday, August 21, 2013
  Seattle Children's Hospital
  Seattle, WA

Details and RSVP information coming soon

Teen Leadership Council

Members of the Washington State Teen Leadership Council (TLC) act as leaders and volunteers in local Association programs and events while learning to inform and educate the community and the government about the serious toll of diabetes. Teens, aged 13-18, advocate at the state legislature for increased federal funding for diabetes research and prevention, improved health care and insurance coverage and an end to discrimination based on a person's diabetes. These teens also, with support of TLC mentors, develop their own programs and events to support the diabetes community. This groundbreaking program helps teens build self-esteem, improve public speaking skills and meet new friends affected by diabetes.

Interested teens can apply by downloading the application. Adults interested in serving as a teen mentor can find out more about the program by contacting jplatts@diabetes.org.

Calendar of Family Link Events

• April 28, 2013 — Teen Leadership Council Meeting, Association Office, Seattle, WA
• May 11, 2013 — Tour de Cure, Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA
• June 15, 2013 — Family Retreat, Lindeman Pavilion, Seattle, WA
• July 31-August 5, 2013 — Camp Sealth, Vashon Island, WA
• August 20, 2013 — Safe at School Workshop, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Tacoma, WA
• August 21, 2013 — Safe at School Workshop, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
• September 28, 2013 — Tri-Cities Step Out, Tacoma, WA
• October 12, 2013 — Seattle Step Out, Seattle, WA

Events are announced regularly. Please check back often.

Get Your Free Everyday Wisdom Kit!

Have you received your free Wisdom Kit? The Wisdom Kit is a free designed to help families of children with type 1 diabetes live with diabetes everyday! Order your free kit today by visiting Everyday Wisdom or calling 1-800-DIABETES.

Online Resources for Families

For Parents and Kids Check out all of the Association's online tools and information for parents and kids including Planet D, Safe at School, Everyday Life tips, and much more!

Online Community Looking to connect with other families dealing with type 1 diabetes? Visit the community and browse The Place for Parents, Teen & Young Adults and the other forums specifically designed for you!

Planet D A fun place for kids to explore more about diabetes, learn new things about themselves and connect with new friends.

Safe at School Online tools, videos, powerpoints and much more teaching parents of children with type 1 diabetes how to keep them Safe at School. Also includes important free resources for school staff and information on how to create a 504 plan for your child/student.