We provide local support today, until there's a CURE! The mission of Longview Type One Diabetes Foundation is to build a vibrant and
lasting local support system for the Type 1 community in Longview, Texas and the
surrounding area. We want every person living with Type 1 diabetes to know they are not alone and to have the support they need to lead a long healthy life until a cure is found one day.
We offer immediate assistance to newly diagnosed children, adults and families, continuing education through support groups and classes, as well as local events and social networking opportunities for Type 1 families. We are an official 501c3 non profit organization so that the money we raise in our community can stay in our community for local needs. We are governed by a board of directors so that this organization is not just the vision and mission of one or two people in our community. We purposely established this as an official non profit corporation so that we will have the input and guidance of many in the Type 1 community and help create a foundation that will be in our community as long as there is a need. Our core programs include visiting the newly diagnosed in our area within 24 hours when possible. A Type 1 parent and child/person living with Type 1 visit the new families with a special basket of carb snacks. This basket will practically equip them with carb snacks for treating low blood sugars. We let them know they are not alone and that we are here for them during this overwhelming time. A Diabetes 101 course is available to all newly diagnosed families FREE of charge. Because we are able to raise support for these classes with our tax exempt status, we are able to hire a professional Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian for an extensive training course specially designed for grandparents, extended family, babysitters, school nurses, teachers and older siblings. The purpose of this class is to help build a strong support system around the new Type 1 person or family. We also let them know we have a network of other Type 1 parents and Adult Type 1's who are waiting to meet them at our monthly support groups. These groups provide the opportunity to meet others who are also living with Type 1 but also receive more education by hearing from Diabetes Educators, Registered Dietitians, pump companies, insulin reps and panel discussions. During the meetings, children's activities are available as well so they have a time to get to know other kids who are also living with Type 1. They enjoy their time together and have even started referring to themselves as their Type One family! One is specifically geared toward the Type 1 community and the other is based on awareness. Local support should be the norm and not the exception!
