ConnecT1D Programs

ConnecT1D is a nonprofit organization that builds communities and creates relationships for people living with Type 1 Diabetes, and incurable chronic disease.

We simply believe that life with Type 1 Diabetes is made easier when you know someone else living with the disease.

We operate year-round programs for:

• Parents of kids with T1D
• Tweens with T1D (ages 9-12)
• Teens with T1D (ages 13-18)
• Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
• Active people of all ages with T1D via ConnecT1D GetFit Program
• Competitive athletes with T1D via Team ConnecT1D

Additionally, we operate several unique programs that cross all our demographics, including:

• Advocacy programs for people with Type 1 Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.
• Family Camp for families with children with T1D
• ConnecT1D Retreat
• Speakers Series

ConnecT1D is a volunteer-run organization and we are only as big as our volunteer base.

If you think we're missing something, or want to see one of these programs take root in your neighborhood, let us know and we can work with you to make it happen.

ConnecT1D Middle School Retreat

August 19-22, 2018

ConnecT1D hosted its first Middle School Retreat at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood.

Check out the pics below

Get Pumped for the Middle School Retreat! 

Let’s be honest. Life with Type 1 Diabetes is never easy.  The endless checks, the highs and lows, and even the questions about your pump and CGM - they all get old.  It’s even tougher if you feel like you’re the only one dealing with it. That’s why ConnecT1D is offering the Middle School Retreat, THE summer experience for young teens with Type 1 Diabetes. It’s happening this August at Camp Warm Beach and we want you to be there. 

Registering for the Middle School Retreat 

We’re inviting 25 teens entering 6th-8th grade to Camp Warm Beach for three days and three nights of fun and adventure. We’ll hike, hit the high-ropes course, howl at the moon, and huddle in small groups to talk about the ups and downs of life with Type 1 Diabetes. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the cost?

It is our desire to never turn a camper away due to financial concerns. Full Fare is $300 for those who can afford it. Full and partial scholarships ($150) are available for families that need support or are facing economic hardship. Scholarship applications are available with registration (note, proof of income required at time of application and $10 deposit required to hold spot while processing applications).

How many Campers will be at the Retreat?

In our kick off year, we have spots for 25 campers. This smaller size group will allow attendees a chance to get to know the whole group well! This also means that the Retreat may fill quickly, so if you plan to attend, we recommend registering right away. We will have a wait list when the Retreat fills.

Where is the Retreat Located?

Warm Beach Camp is located about 50 miles north of Seattle, near Stanwood, Washington. The camp address is 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292

What do I need to bring?

Warm Beach Camp provides group bunk style housing with shared bathrooms. Bed linens and towels are provided, but don’t forget your favorite personal toiletries. All meals and snacks are provided.

Campers must bring all diabetes supplies to camp.

Medical Support

We will have adults and mentors on hand that can assist with basic care such as treating lows. We will also have full time medical support on site throughout the entire Camp to advise and support campers in diabetes care.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT'S BIGGEST HIT:  YOU!

Register here to be a counselor, event volunteer or medical volunteer.  Join us at Warm Beach for a rich volunteer experience where you can help change a life for a teen with Type 1 Diabetes.

Contact

Have a question about the Middle School Retreat? email exec@connect1d.org

Thanks for generous support to: 

ConnecT1D Middle School Group

The ConnecT1D Teen Program involves T1D youth between 6th and 9th grade and their siblings and friends.  The Middle School Group will meet four to six times each year with events designed to be social connection opportunities. In past years, the Teen Group has:

• been hiking
• went bowling
• participated in Family Camp
• went rock climbing
• played at an indoor trampoline park

This group gives youth a chance to practice being independent with their diabetes management while giving parents and caregivers the chance to connect.

Stay tuned for more event details!

ConnecT1D Adult T1D Social Group

ConnecT1D runs a regular Adult T1D Social Group as an opportunity for our community to be around their peers who understand what day to day life with T1D involves. Our group is open to spouses and support partners as well. 

These regularly scheduled events range from physical activities (roller skating, bowling) to social events (karaoke, Rat City Rollergirls) happy hour get-togethers to fundraisers for ConnecT1D and other T1D organizations.

To get involved, sign up below to get on the email list and watch the calendar for upcoming events.

ConnecT1D Speaker Series

ConnecT1D is partnering with other T1D leaders and organizations to put on content events for the Type 1 Diabetes community. These events are generally opportunities to have facilitated discussions around topics that often aren't a part of your medical team or personal support discussions.

Make sure you've signed up for the newsletter, liked us on Facebook and are watching the calendar for upcoming events.

Upcoming events:

ConnecT1D's "Type 1 Diabetes -  Not Your Typical BS" Speaker Series

Workshop 1: Successfully Navigating the Unpredictability of Diabetes: How to free you from thinking about BS all day long

 2 sessions offered: Thursday, 4/28 from 6:30-8pm OR Saturday, 4/30 from 1:30 – 3pm

• How to replace fear w/ possibility
• Simple steps for always being prepared
• The importance of practicing Mindfulness...and how to do it

Workshop 2: Key Essentials for Making Travel with Diabetes Safe and Fun: Keeping your BS in check on the go)

2 sessions offered: Thursday, 5/5/16 from 6:30 – 8pm OR Saturday, 5/7 from 1:30 – 3pm

• What you can/cannot take while traveling
• What you must take while traveling
• Navigating diabetes when traveling abroad
• Tips for managing BS when eating unfamiliar food

Facilitator info:

Dr. Jody Stanislaw received her doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine in 2007 from one of the top holistic medical schools in the country, Bastyr University. She has had Type 1 herself for 35 years.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Unlike the relationship series, there is no age minimum for these events.

Where is the event?

Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle WA 98087

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

There is limited parking at the Phinney Neighborhood Association on nearby streets or small lot in rear.

We recommend biking or taking Metro (route 5) if you are able to do so.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can direct any questions to Cassady or to ConnecT1D.

How do I register for the event?

Click on the button above to register. You'll receive a confirmation email when registration is complete.

ConnecT1D Parent Group

ConnecT1D coordinates regular meetup for parents of T1D kids of all ages. These informal events are simply a chance to meet other parents, compare notes and get some new tips and tricks about living with T1D in the family.

Put another way, your medical care team can certainly help diagnose basal rates. But only other parents can help you figure out school field trips while withholding judgement from your sleep-deprived eyes.

If you would like to see a meetup take place in your community, let us know via the form below and we'll be in touch. We rely on volunteers to coordinate these events and can assist by getting the word out to a broad audience.

To join an event, watch the calendar and sign up for the Enewsletter. To help organize a meetup in your community, fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.

Advocacy Efforts

ConnecT1D works with other organizations to make sure that the voice of people with Type 1 Diabetes is considered in regulatory and legislative discussions.

We've launched a new initiative where people can sign up to be advocates - check it out at http://www.impactwahealth.org.

August 8, 2016 Update
Prior Authorization for Long Acting Insulin

Thank you for your help! We had 353 people from Washington State sign our letter to the Washington State Health Care Authority. We'll keep this site updated with additional news!

Background: on July 1, the State of Washington created a new drug class for long acting insulin. This means that for the first time, all long acting insulin is subject to a prior authorization before being prescribed. Yes, we think that is ridiculous too.

If you agree with us that insulin should not be subject to prior authorization in order to be prescribed, please read the letter below and add your name to it. The more signatures we get, the more impactful our message and our opportunity to get this decision reconsidered.

You should also check out some of the great work being done by other advocacy organizations:

• Autoimmune Advocacy Alliance
• American Diabetes Association
• JDRF
• Washington Life Sciences Discovery Fund

Want to learn more or get updates on advocacy efforts? Sign up for the Newsletter below and we'll be in touch!

All Alpha No Beta Virtual 5K

Race any day in November

or

Join us to run on November 19th at 8:30am at Magnuson Park

Lace up those running shoes, the ConnecT1D All Alpha No Beta Virtual 5K is back for 2017!  There is no better way to celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month than joining our ConnecT1D community for a 5K and earning some extra carbs for that Thanksgiving feast.

What is a Virtual 5K you ask?  Well, it is all the fun of a 5K race, but with a location and time of your choosing.  Whether you are a Seattle resident, or a Chicagoan visiting Greece, you can participate in this event, meet awesome people, and even compete for prizes.

When: Anytime in the month of November! (November 2017 that is)

Where:  Wherever you are, wherever your favorite course is, or wherever you have been meaning to explore.  Maybe even all the above.  The beauty of the virtual race is that it can take place in Seattle, Boston, or even along the Inca Trail in Peru.  Just post your time and photo, and you are part of the race.

Why: Whether you just think 5Ks are fun, or you are excited to go the extra 3.1 miles with friends, this is a great way to get some fresh air, support ConnecT1D, and get a cool finisher medal!  All profit from this event goes toward our yearly programming, so in addition to logging a few miles, you will be helping to provide events in the community for people impacted by Type 1 Diabetes.

Awards

This year, we will be giving out a few prizes, for both our virtual participants, as well as our November 19th meetup run/walkers.  Details are still being worked out, but be sure to take pictures of your 5K.  One thing is certain, there will be an award for best costume!

*Medals, Bibs, and Prizes will be mailed out within two weeks of registration.  Depending on when you register, the bibs may not arrive before your run.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I register?

Directly above this FAQ section is the link to register for the event.  Check it out!

When is the race?

You can run your 5K anytime in the month of November (in 2017) and be a part of this race.  You can also join ConnecT1D for our organized running of the 5K at Magnuson Park on November 19th.  

What if I do not like running?

That is totally fine, you can walk, Rollerblade, dogsled, or bike the distance.  Pretty much anything except the Mary-Go-Round.

When will I get my medal?

Medals are sent out within two weeks of when you register for the race using standard shipping.

How do I upload results/pictures?

After you have finished your 5K, post to facebook, twitter, and/or instagram with a picture of you (preferrably in costume!), your time, and be sure to @ConnecT1D and give a #nobeta5K.

Can I coordinate with other participants to run together outside the November 19th meetup?

Yes!  We will have an event page on Facebook, where you can discuss locations and times for your run/walk, discuss your favorite color of fitbit, and maybe even leave a comment or two of encouragement for others (i.e. Way to Go Roz!  or Sweet Hat Jerry!)

Can I break out my Halloween costume from last year?

Most definitely!  There is even a prize for best costume, but you have to be sure to share pictures.

Can dogs see color?

The current theory is that dogs have a more limited color spectrum than humans, but they can see in color, not just black and white.