Spearheaded by a group of passionate, resilient students, the newly formed Beaverton Type 1 Diabetes Student Union provides students with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families’ support, resources, and connection.
This amazing group of student leaders hopes to combat the daily challenges of isolation and stress felt by many with T1D by connecting members with others living with the disease. Their work is kicking off with a Beaverton Education Foundation funded initiative to deliver t-shirts and bags with the Student Union logo to the nearly 100 students with Type 1 diabetes in the District and the more than 20 staff members who support them.
District-wide membership will help students connect across schools and age ranges, providing an excellent opportunity for mentorship and real-life examples of student success – something Student Union Community Advisor, Kelsey Duman, experienced firsthand when she was young.
“Connecting with this community allowed me to develop a positive outlook on life with Type 1 diabetes, as well as learn the best ways to manage my condition and thrive despite my diagnosis,” explained Duman.
Together with teacher and advisors, the team plans to spread awareness about Type 1 diabetes through presentations and activities for National Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day. They also hope to provide low blood sugar treatment options, programs for students as they enter elementary, middle and high school, and support for diabetes related events and causes.
The T1D Student Union launch is the direct result of engaged staff, strong student leaders, and our powerful connected community. This effort would not be possible without the more than 20 donors that funded the project, with nearly half of them comprised of the nurses, social workers, counselors, office assistants, para-educators, and principals throughout the District that help these students thrive.
“We are truly stronger together!” – Kelsey Duman
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