I am Michelle. I have three amazing children: Jack is 12, Natalie is 10, and Peter is 8. Since type 1 diabetes first touched our lives, we have each learned to cope with it in our own unique way. We are one family with four unique type 1 experiences. In March of 2016 I did … Continue reading Meet Michelle: One Parent’s Story
#DYFDifference
“Before camp, our daughter acted embarrassed and felt alone in her diabetes diagnosis. Camp normalized everything for her and taught our entire family more than we could have ever expected. She came home feeling more confident and so did we.” – Jason & Erin, camp parents I hear this message all the time from DYF … Continue reading #DYFDifference
Good Enough May Be Good Enough
A recent article in The BMJ raised interesting questions around what the goal for blood sugar treatment should be. There have been different views (and different data) as to whether people with type 1 diabetes should have a goal of “normal” blood sugars, or simply to aim for a “pretty low” target HbA1c. There are … Continue reading Good Enough May Be Good Enough
Teens Reach New Heights with Altitude 14,505
This summer, ten teenagers embarked on a 75+ mile backpacking adventure through California backcountry to summit Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Formerly known as DYF Takes Mount Whitney, Altitude 14,505 has been offered biennially since 1998. The mission of the program—to inspire and reassure those with type 1 diabetes that … Continue reading Teens Reach New Heights with Altitude 14,505
Beyond Type 1 Invests In Teen Education
Teen Camp is one of our favorite sessions of the summer. There is just something about the ability to choose your own area of focus, from wilderness, to fine arts, to performing arts, and forging bonds with T1Ds that share your interests that you can’t mimic outside of camp. Yet, beyond the wilderness treks and … Continue reading Beyond Type 1 Invests In Teen Education
Beautify Bearskin
Since 1960, Bearskin Meadow Camp has served as DYF’s home, welcoming generations of children, teens, and families affected by type one diabetes. It is a place of joy and community – a powerful combination when we are surrounded by “our people” in such a spectacular environment. Behind the structures that make Bearskin Meadow Camp, … Continue reading Beautify Bearskin
Who Benefits From Scholarship?
Last year, 85% of campers attended programs at a subsidized rate, thanks to your support. YOU MAKE CAMP POSSIBLE! Camp is more than just 5 days of fun… Breanne was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 4. “Fortunately, my family was referred to DYF. Camp was where we learned to function as a family, … Continue reading Who Benefits From Scholarship?
Remembering Camp with Buel Campbell
Before Bearskin Meadow Camp, there was Camp Whitaker, Dr. Mary Olney’s first diabetes camp in the Sequoias. Located a few miles away from Bearskin Meadow, Camp Whitaker was located near Grant Grove and Eshom Creek. The early days of Camp Whitaker were, to put it mildly, simplistic. As stated in DYF’s history, Miracle Forest, written … Continue reading Remembering Camp with Buel Campbell
Three Pillars of Success (and Why Camp is Special) By: Justin Alschuler
Two years ago, I stepped into some very large shoes as the Medical Director for DYF. As many who have been to camp can attest, it is a transformative experience for children and their families. I myself experienced the Bearskin Magic, as I too attended BMC as a camper. Between then and now, I’d returned … Continue reading Three Pillars of Success (and Why Camp is Special) By: Justin Alschuler
DYF Camper Featured on Juicebox Podcast!
Our amazing camper Ayla was on the Juicebox Podcast! You may recognize Ayla as our camper speaker from our 2017 gala. Like so many of our campers, Ayla never ceases to amaze us. Thanks for the DYF shout out, Ayla! You can Listen to the episode here.