Here’s what our alumni have to say about DTC:

“The knowledge alone that you all so freely shared was empowering and the community and support
and friendship that you wrapped us in… I don’t even know how to express my appreciation for that. We
are so lucky to have found DTC.”

“Whether or not you consider yourself an athlete or even athletic, if you live with diabetes then DTC is the perfect space for you. It is the most supportive and encouraging environment I have ever experienced in my 32 years with diabetes and I have never learned so much, worked so hard, and connected so deeply with the community.”

“I want to thank all the folks who make DTC available to all of us courageous people. Since camp I have been taking a more pro-active (instead of reactive) approach to my diabetes. Pre-camp I was only in range 60-65% of the time, since camp 85-90% of the time everyday. I went from using 100-110 units a day to averaging 73 units per day, my activity level and running successes are higher with fewer lows or issues, my stress level is way down. To say camp was life-changing doesn’t do it justice, THANK YOU DTC.”

““Diabetes training camp really taught me not to be afraid. It’s so wonderful to be surrounded by other people dealing with the same challenges, checking meters, alarms going off, everyone prepared. I love the fact that I can do push ups and sit ups with my middle school kids as a teacher. Before camp, I felt like I’d lost a lot of my freedom. Now I’ve learned how to do the things I love with my body. Every time I attend, I get something different out of it—the lectures, the support, the friendships. Coming all the way from Alaska can be difficult, but it’s always worth it. Camp has shown me what’s possible and reminded me I’m not alone.””

“My favorite part of diabetes training camp was the feeling of safety and security. It’s hard to put into words why that’s so important, but it was such a special experience—exercising, learning, and being surrounded by medical professionals and others who truly understand. I learned strategies to better manage my glucose, especially during workouts, and the camaraderie of being around people who had experienced what I was going through was invaluable. The most surprising thing was how impactful it felt to be surrounded by so many other type one diabetics—it was comforting in a way I never expected. Coming from New Jersey, camp has been life-changing for me, and I encourage anyone considering it to just go. It’s worth your time, your resources, and your commitment. Don’t hold back, because the community, the support, and the impact are incredible.”

“I learned to accept that perfection isn’t attainable—you do the best you can and move on. The camp made that clear with the support of everyone around me. There was so much I enjoyed, but those morning bike rides followed by breakfast were a favorite. Riding with different people, sharing meals, and hearing about everyone’s experiences made it all special. It was a lot of fun, and I can’t say enough about how good the experience was for me. Don’t think about it—just do it. I only wish I could have experienced it years ago as a kid. Of all the causes to support, diabetes training camp is one of the best. I saw firsthand the impact it can have on people’s lives, not just today but for the long term.”

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.”

“Thank you for providing such an incredible experience for my son and family. Before DTC he had never talked with a peer
about his diabetes, never in 4 years. I can’t believe how camp has made him happy and relaxed. If it wasn’t for DTC, I doubt his confidence of his life with T1D would have ever improved.

All the knowledge you taught us is priceless, but what you have given our son in 3 days is impossible to describe. You have changed our lives forever.”

“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.