Thanks entirely to the generous support of our donors, Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, in collaboration with Wolfson Children’s Hospital, hosts the Jacksonville DiaBesties Camp. This free five-day camp — the only one of its kind in our community — provides kids with diabetes from Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia the opportunity to enjoy a traditional camp experience in a medically-safe environment. Our team of physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, social worker, psychologists, and volunteers donate their time to ensure this camp is accessible to all families, regardless of their resources.
The benefits of camp are extensive and transformative. Children can spend time with others who understand their journey, fostering long-lasting relationships. They receive psychosocial support, increase their ability to manage their diabetes care independently, and more. Jacksonville DiaBesties Camp is not just a camp — it’s a community that allows children with diabetes to understand their disease better and learn how they can develop and grow like kids without diabetes.
Let us share the inspiring story of Evie, who attended the Jacksonville DiaBesties Camp in Summer 2024. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5, Evie, now 9 years old, has been treated at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville since diagnosis. Her experience at Jacksonville DiaBesties Camp was a turning point, where she not only learned more about her condition but most importantly to her, made friends with kids who shared her journey. This is just one of the many success stories from our camp.
Evie understands how different foods impact her blood sugar levels, and she manages her condition well with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. The family recognized that the camp experience would be a milestone for her. Her parents, Jeni and Larry, were grateful that there was no charge for participation. As a Nemours Children’s associate for the last 11 years, Jeni is proud of her employers’ dedication to patients and families and the exceptional care provided by world-class clinicians.
While Evie is one of only a few children who use a CGM and insulin pump at her school, she appreciated being with an entire group of kids at camp who understand what it’s like to manage type 1 diabetes. Meeting many other children with the same condition was extraordinary. Evie formed lasting friendships with two other campers, and they continue to stay in touch through FaceTime, providing mutual support that only peers with similar experiences can offer. She enjoyed the pool and cherished the freedom to manage her diabetes in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Knowing that Evie was surrounded by knowledgeable and caring professionals provided immense peace of mind for Jeni and Larry. They appreciated the break from constantly monitoring alarms and found comfort in the camp’s supportive environment among many of their daughter’s medical providers. They are also thankful that camp reinforced Evie’s understanding that despite her diabetes, she could enjoy all aspects of life, including camp activities and favorite treats like pizza and bug juice. DiaBesties Camp is completely dependent on contributions from people like you. If you would like more information about the experience or to support this important work, please visit our website here. Thank you.
