January 2019

 
OVERCOMING CAMP NERVES
Camp registration season is in full swing! Are you considering sending your child to camp for the first time?  This can be a daunting step for parents and campers alike.  We took some time to catch up with 12-year-old Emma and her parents, who were hesitant to attend the Chris Dudley Basketball Camp for the first time last year, and heard about how their perspective changed after a week at camp.  Emma and her mom, Rachel, shared their advice for the first-time camp families in hopes that other kids with type 1 diabetes will get to experience what they did.  

Rachel's Advice: "Even though the camp has a large basketball component to it, it is not all about basketball.  From my perspective, it was about coming together and being part of a club with a strong family vibe.  The emotional connections that are made among campers, counselors, and staff is indescribable.  As a parent, I am so grateful for the Chris Dudley Basketball Camp; because for my daughter, it means she is a part of something truly special." 

Emma's Advice: "I would tell a first time camper that they don't have to be nervous because we are at camp to support them and to get to know them and become their friends!"


All of us at the Chris Dudley Foundation would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who showed support in 2018! Because of you, we are able to provide resources to those living with diabetes, including creating invaluable camp experiences for youth with type 1 diabetes through the Chris Dudley Basketball Camp; providing over 300 diabetes supply kits for patients living in poverty and homelessness through the "Test Don't Guess" Outreach Program; and raising diabetes awareness around the world through the Annual Diabuddies Dash, local and virtual runs.  We could not do this without your support, whether it be through donations, volunteering, or supporting from afar.  In just the last 5 weeks of 2018, you helped us raise over $26,000 to create camperships to provide financial aid to families who would otherwise be unable to afford a week at diabetes camp.  The Chris Dudley Foundation is endlessly grateful.
 
Here's to a great 2019!

Congratulations to CDBC past camper and staff, Chris B. who, along with his wife Kelsi, welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their family on December 21, 2018.   Brealin Marie was born at 6 lbs, 15 ounces and 21" long.  Chris says, "She was an excellent christmas present, we couldn't be more excited."  Congrats to the new parents - your Dudley Camp Family is overjoyed for you!

Chris Dudley Basketball Camp 2019: July 28 -August 2  (For information about Camp, visit www.chrisdudley.org ).

 






CALLING ALL PAST CDBC CAMPERS!
"Where Are They Now" is a monthly feature article showcasing past Chris Dudley Basketball Camp campers, now young adults with type 1 diabetes living active lives and following their dreams! 
 
CDBC CAMPER 6 YEARS
CDBC STAFF 4 YEARS

Favorite Camp Memory?  I know this is cliché but one of my favorite camp memories would have to be Pass the Ball at the end of camp, singing our hearts out to "The Lucky Few".  Another one of my favorite camp memories is always Campers vs. Staff Capture the Flag. Everyone gets really into it with their war paint it's always a great time!

Did you learn anything at camp about your diabetes?   Definitely!  When I was a camper, I used to only put pump sites in my stomach, which I know is not great, but when I was at camp, all the other campers inspired me to try new sites like my arm or leg.  Camp was also one of the first places where I learned about the Dexcom CGM and the T-Slim Pump. Both of those devices have definitely improved my diabetes care and have overall lowered my A1C.

Do you st ay in touch with anyone you met through camp?   Absolutely! I stay in contact with a lot of different people from camp throughout the year. For example, I talk to Maggie Anthony regularly on the phone. She is always there if I am having a bad day or just need someone to talk to who understands Type 1. Gayle Yost visited Baltimore a couple years ago while I was going to school down there, and we met up for some coffee. Most recently, I moved to Washington, D.C. this past year and I was able to catch up with two CDBC alum, Ellen Esterhay and Garrett Jensen, who were in D.C. at the time. 

What is your advice for present or future campers?   If you're a first time camper, take it all in because the week goes by so fast and before you know it, it's Friday morning and you won't want to leave. If you're a returning camper, talk to someone you haven't talked to before and get to know someone new.

Where are you now?!   I recently graduated from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in International Business. Since graduating, I moved to Washington, D.C. and I have been working as a staffer in a Congressional office.

We want to hear from YOU! How are you thriving with diabetes?! Where has life taken you?  For more information and to sign up, email Gayle Yost at [email protected].

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www.chrisdudley.org - 503.830.0780