Juvenation Live at Children with Diabetes Friends for Life 2012!

Hey Juvenation community!

We're looking forward to an exciting time here at FFL!  There are some great sessions on the agenda, including an Artificial Pancreas update and a session led by JDRF volunteer Moira McCarthy about how to let go as your child with T1D becomes an adult.  And, when the exhibit hall opens later in the week, we'll have some fun activities at the JDRF booth, including a chance to "Bling Your Meter" and the opportunity to discuss research and getting involved locally with JDRF's National Outreach Volunteer Chair, Carol Oxenreiter.

We'll be sure to blog about all these activities and more (and post pictures too!) here on the live blog, so check back often to see what's going on at FFL!

Hi everyone!  

It's great to be at FFL again this year.  I know this year is going to be extra special!  In the first five minutes upon arriving today, I ran in to the ever-inspiring Phil Southerland, Kerri Sparling, Kim Vlasnik, & Scott Johnson!  What a great way to kick off this years gathering.  I also met a nice couple who is attending for their first time as well as a handful of kids with T1D.  One does not have to look too far around here to spot a green bracelet :)  

Next, after getting to walk around the Marriott for a little while, I ran in to Kendall Simmons near the elevators!  Kendall and I had a brief moment to catch up from last year & he is very excited about connecting with the children and their families again.  

Well..that's it for now.  I'm off to meet some more friends (& fellow 'Juvenation-ers') from the diabetes online community.  Drop back by here soon to find out what other things are going on and to read posts from us and fellow CWD attendees.  

Andy

Good afternoon!

I'm back with a brief update from CWD in Orlando..

Last night I joined a group of about fifteen people who were all participating in the Diabetes Social Media Advocacy (DSMA) twitter discussion.  If you're on twitter and you are interested in joining the group I highly recommend it.  Use the hashtag #dsma to get started & to read about our discussion from last night!  

This morning, Tom Karlya and Jeff Hitchcock gave an incredible opening presentation.  They spoke about the amazing history and growth of CWD as well as many personal stories.  After a touching slide show and a few videos there weren't many dry eyes in the room.  Credit was given during their talk to many individuals & organizations (including JDRF) whose beginnings might have started small and with just an idea but have now turned in to hugely impactful & supportive groups.  It was very uplifting & empowering.

Next, I had a chance to listen to the Artificial Pancreas Project (APP) update from Eda Cengiz & Ed Damiano.  I will follow up soon with a more detailed update of their talk, but overall it was a highly educational and uplifting presentation.  As a person with T1D myself of nearly eighteen years, my excitement over this technology continues to grow.  

That's it from me for now.. Thanks for following along and for your participation!

Andy

There is so much to see and do here. The support and caring is flowing everywhere.  If anyone needs support this is the place to find help! There are psychologists, doctors, eye screenings most people do not get until the regular eye doctor detects a problem, and diabetes educators galore. Not to mention all the latest info on management and the future.

I just got back from a great session led by JDRF volunteer Moira McCarthy.  The theme of the session was "learning to let go" as the parent of a child with type 1 diabetes.  In other words, how to still be a responsible and caring parent while at the same time taking a step back and letting your child with diabetes succeed (and sometimes not succeed) on his or her own.

Moira told the story of her daughter Lauren's diagnosis, and how Moira immediately went into "Bee Gee Mode," i.e., her only worry for her daughter was "Stayin' Alive."  But, after an incident Moira dubbed the "Giant Cookie of Death (Not) Lesson," Moira learned that she had to raise her daughter not as a child with diabetes, but as a human being, and let her live her life as normally as possible.  

Continuing along these lines, Moira spoke about the "letting goes" that parents of children with diabetes share and fear, including play dates, parties, school events and field trips, "dreaded" slumber parties, driving, sports, and college.  She also shared her "three hows" to letting go: 1) be ready, willing, and able (have frank discussions, compromise), 2) make it fit (find a way, no matter the situation), and 3) rely on safety nets like technology and friends.  And if things don't always go as planned (which happens oh so often with T1D)?  To Moira, it's a lesson and a learning opportunity to show how it will work better next time.

All in all the session was frank and candid and pulled no punches, but at the same was really touching, all in true Moira style.

Hey guys,  another year:)

this starts the fun.

novolog has a giant inflatable tube guy that we can see dancing over our booth.

this year will be great :P

hiya! im at cwd and its so cool! my couson is type 1 and we r geting snow cones!

Hi, this is my first entry from CWD Friends for Life Conference.  This is always such a great event.  Last night we heard Crystal Bowersox sing her new song about "letting go" and it was terrific.  I cannot wait for the album to come out.  Today I was speaking with her about her incredible patience answering the questions form the kids at the conference.  She explained that she never went to events like these when she was young and how she thinks it is great that these kids have the opportunity to attend such a conference and meet other kids and learn how to take care of themselves.  She is really inspiring.

Heehee this is the first time in months ive been on a computer. omg, cwd rocks! Im here with my non D friend Trin Trin, and we are very cold, tired, and I want another doughnut! :) <(*)

H! My name is ben and I am 11 years old. I am with my mom, my dad, and my sister. My dad and sister have diabetes.

Wow, CWD Friends for Life Conference rocks!  This is my first time at this conference in Orlando ... so many great people, great information ... just a great time!  I'm looking forward to the rest of the conference.  Catch you later!

Friends for Life has been a wonderful experience to catch up with and make new friends

The Central Florida Chapter of JDRF is so excited to have CWD Friends for Life Conference in our backyard! It is a great resource for families new to T1D and those who are veterans!

Check out our JDRF flickr account to see pics from Friend for Life 2012!! www.flickr.com/.../64941832@N04

THE ONE TOUCH VERIO IS AWESOME