DTC Type 1 Adult Camps

T1D is a relentless and exhausting disease and there is not a minute that goes by when I’m not thinking
about my blood sugar. Somehow being at DTC normalizes this feeling. Somehow I found this tribe of
people who get it and have seemed to make it easier than it would be and I am so grateful.”

“I couldn’t have imagined what DTC would be like. From the jump, the care of the genuine team, and the environment they create, for all campers is unbelievable. I felt safe, I felt like I belonged. I could let my guard down and be vulnerable. I loved connecting with other T1Ds from all over the country and being surrounded by people who get it. I’m grateful for my scholarship, without it I couldn’t have experienced this life-changing, life-altering camp.”

“In 32 years as an adult living with T1D, I had never met anyone else who shared this journey. I didn’t arrive at camp with thoughts of being an “athlete,” but that quickly changed after one of the very first lectures. I couldn’t believe how much I was learning about my body and living with T1D…and I became part of a tremendous
community. The loneliness of this journey is a memory – what a gift!

DTC is not about living with chronic illness.

It’s about living fearlessly. It’s about learning. It’s about thriving.”

I can’t emphasize enough how much DTC has changed my life for the better. Type 1 diabetes is incredibly overwhelming and isolating, but DTC is the best support system for feeling connected and encouraged. The training I’ve received in diabetes management, as well as exercise and mental health, has been beyond value to helping me feel like I have the tools that I need to manage my medical difficulties. The amazing energy of DTC and the staff is empowering and uplifting. I was hesitant to believe that they could deliver the incalculable benefits of their yearly diabetes camps this year through a remote, virtual platform. So much of what they give is relational and emotional support. Boy, was I wrong. I felt every bit as connected, involved, loved and supported as I have in attending their in-person camps. It is such a needed boost for me to be able to connect with DTC. Now I’m ready to get back into life energized, refreshed , and ready to take on type 1 diabetes management.

This was my 3rd year at Diabetes Training Camp. I live in Juneau, Alaska, and was diagnosed on my 40th birthday. I’d probably gone 7 months undiagnosed. My doctor never checked my blood sugar, because no one else in my family has Type 1 Diabetes. I went to a young PA for a second opinion and she had my BG checked before I left the waiting room. Immeasurable. I never seem to accept limits well… Even though DTC 2020 V Camp took place online this year – What was the best part? Seeing some of those familiar faces. Alumni-campers now work for the foundation! Carrie Jackson’s still keeping us all stable in our emotional expectations, Lindsay Gregerson is still ratifying peanut M-&-Ms, and Dr. Matt still remembers details about me from 2009 – and he only shares the good ones. These people are doing something right, and even the most socially reticent of us are not immune.

What an amazing experience! This was my first time at DTC and I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially with everything being virtual. But I was blown away! Everything from the incredible list of guest speakers to the wealth of resources they provided was beyond anything I could have imagine. And even more than just the quality of the program itself, it was the strength of the community that has really made an impact on me. The dedication that this group has for helping and supporting others is real and their passion for building up this community is palpable. It was so amazing to be able to connect with so many people, and the virtual format offered such a great opportunity for those who might not be able to join in person. I know for myself, it was a perfect opportunity to see what DTC was all about. It did not disappoint! I left feeling inspired and empowered to ‘live the life I want to live’! I cannot say enough about Dr. Corcoran, his team, and the DTC Foundation. With much gratitude, thank you!

I was always athletic and active, even early on in my diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. But along the way my body changed, and I was no longer able to keep my glucose in a range that supported the active lifestyle to which I was accustomed. I started cutting my workouts short. I was soon sitting on the sidelines instead of competing. I felt defeated. Then I heard about and attended my first DTC. Nothing compares to this incredible group of people. I’ve started pushing myself again. I’ve gotten so much stronger. I’ve gotten faster. And I regained confidence in my abilities. Now my eyes are set on Ironman competitions (I never said “I’ve gotten smarter”). I don’t think the proper words exist to adequately describe DTC. It’s transformational. Informational. Affirmational. Motivational. And it’s so much more. It truly is magical.