Thank you for becoming part of a movement that directly impacts the lives of children living with T1D. We want to thank you and celebrate your support of our mission.
Cox Family
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Kathryn Vierra Hein
How did you first got involved in with T1DMS?
When my four-year-old Emily was diagnosed in 2011, I remember sitting alone, my husband was out of state, sad and desperate to learn about Type 1 Diabetes. As I started researching, I discovered it’s a double-edged sword. The more you know, the more you understand the dangers and that insulin is really just palliative care – there is no cure. Fear and loneliness, led me to discover T1DMS. In those first few months, I spent countless hours reading posts and learning. This organization was a lifeline for me, so I reached out to Rebekaha and asked about making a donation.
What do you wish other people knew about T1DMS?
If each of our 14.7K member contributed $1 or even $5 this organization could help so many more people. We help so many, but the contributions are few. T1DMS administrators do not get paid for managing the website or moderating the site 24/7. It takes money to maintain a website, provide trainings and workshops, lifesaving supplies, contribute to a DAD or send a child to camp. Our website and resources are a vital tool for many, especially those needing IEP, 504 and school information.
I also want people to know this organization is the best way to connect with other parents/families in your area. I have found so many local families through T1DMS and have developed a sisterhood with several members throughout the US.
What drew you to donate to T1DMS over other nonprofits in the T1D community?
I was so grateful for all the support this tribe has given me and I was very passionate about wanting to give back! It was a way for me to help others in the same situation. When I looked into their non-profit, I learned every penny I donate would go directly to our tribe. T1DMS is not saddled by heavy overhead. While it may not always be like that, I know where my money goes.
What might T1DMS be surprised to know about you?
Our family business is farming. We grow wine and table grapes, avocados, lemons, oranges, and almonds.
My education and background are in Human Resources. This allows me to give our members advise on workplace issues and accommodations pertaining to Type 1 as a disability.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating to T1DMS?
I would tell anyone who is thinking of donating to the T1DMS to do it!! We are so much more than a FB site – we are moms, dads, supporter, educators, counselors, advocates, camp senders, supply givers, DAD trainers, friends……the list is endless!! We help many but in order to continue this great support system, it takes money. No donation is too small.
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Kathryn Vierra Hein
Rebecca and Nick Schoenborn
- Tell me how you first got involved in with T1DMS?
Rebecca: I first heard of T1DMS through a comment by a Mod on a random Dexcom Facebook post. I wasn’t in any T1 Facebook groups at the time even though my son was well over a year past diagnosis. It was like a whole new world opened up. Finally, I had found a home full of other people who understood.
What do you wish other people knew about T1DMS? Both Nick and I wish people knew just how much T1DMS does for our T1D community. How many service dogs they have helped place, how many kids they have helped send to camp, how many families in need they have been able to donate to. It would be hugely eye opening for most people because it is given with love and not a lot of flash and publicity. T1DMS is truly a labor of love.
What drew you to donate to T1DMS over other nonprofits in the T1D community? We love the fact that our money actually goes to helping families. Families who we know and love. Our money does not go into anyone’s pocket. Everything is used to help.
What might T1DMS be surprised to know about you? Nick and I were the same uneducated people that most T1s get irritated at before our son’s diagnosis. We laughed at the diabetes jokes and had very little knowledge of how difficult this disease is. We now work very hard to educate others, without getting offended, on how the world views this disease.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating to T1DMS? Do it! You can be guaranteed that every cent will go to help.
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Rebecca and Nick Schoenborn
KC Owens
What began as a strategy to help self-manage T1D for one person has turned into a legacy of giving to many. KC grew up surrounded by dogs in Missouri before moving to SLC. Being diagnosed with T1D not only changed her life but also changed her outlook on life. After her diagnosis of such relentless disease, KC knew she wanted to be in a position where she could make a difference in the lives of people living with T1D. Her love of dogs and her T1D diagnosis became the perfect combination to dedicate her life to breeding and training diabetic alert dogs for others. KC’s dream continues to give children and adults who need support, hope, and joy in their lives through the special relationship with a diabetic alert dog. KC is a brilliant and selfless human being whose purpose is to love and help others. She is an extraordinary display of generosity, humility, and altruism.
T1DMS is grateful that we have found you, grateful that we have found each other. Thank you for changing and saving the lives of so many through your beautiful gift. Thank you for being a constant supporter of our mission.
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KC Owens
Lori Tollett
I first got involved with T1DMS in the summer of 2015 shortly after my only grandson, Stratton, was diagnosed Type 1 at the age of 20 months. Stratton and his parents lived with me, and while they were in the trenches adjusting to this new life, I threw myself into research and finding others who could relate to our new life. In July 2015, I stumbled upon T1DMS on Facebook and connected with Diana Davis, who welcomed me into the group as I was one of Stratton’s primary caregivers. I had found our people, our tribe, our new family.
I belong to many T1D groups, but none compare to T1DMS. I have learned so much more through the MODs and DODs in this group than I could ever learn from the doctors or from my own research. The parents in this group have taught me what real strength looks like, what courage is, and the real definition of “mama bear”. In the past 4 years I don’t think I can recall any instance where I have read negative comments towards any member. This group is so full of love and support, and real life experiences that make us all a little more confident in the way we handle our individual situations.
Why I donate to T1DMS? The kids!! This disease is hard enough on these kids and their families – financially, emotionally, physically. I am not wealthy enough to fund a cure. But I can help that single mom who just wants to send her kid to camp, or that family who needs the added protection of a DAD because their child is hypo-unaware, or that family that just desperately needs a little helping hand to get them through to their next paycheck.
What you should know about me? I breed, raise and train Border Collies. I own 7 of my own. After my grandson was diagnosed T1D, I had a 10-week-old pup from one litter that seemed to be aware of Stratton’s changes in blood sugar. We kept that pup – Moe – and trained him to be a Diabetic Alert Dog for Stratton. Moe’s nose knows.
Why donate to T1DMS? The kids!!! The financial burdens of this disease affect the entire family. I hate the thought that some of these kids have to do without the little things in life, simply because it takes so much of the family’s resources to pay for insulin and supplies. None of these kids and their families asked for this horrible disease or the financial burdens that come with it. These kids deserve to be just like every other kid, without the financial burdens of this disease weighing on their minds. These kids deserve to be just kids, and I believe those than can help, should help.
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