Diabetes Conference - Friends for Life

Ever since our son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, we have looked for ways to learn more about his disease and to give him a community and resources. During one of our initial classes, we learned about the Friends for Life conference from one of the Child Life Specialists. This conference was started by two parents who wanted to get their children with diabetes together in Florida. That was the start of Children with Diabetes. Our first year with the conference was virtual because of the pandemic. However, the next year we attended as a family. After the first session, our son told us we had to return every year. The conference is held at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort and Conference center.

After visiting the registration desk for the conference we received our name badges, conference book with the schedule and conference t-shirts.

Every day of the schedule has classes for kids from preschool through teen as well as multiple classes for adults. We have learned so much from these classes about diabetes research, new technology, and managing the stress of managing this disease.

Every year the theme changes, making it fun for the kids. Some meals and snacks are provided including a large banquet one evening.

For the next few years, the conference will continue to be held at the Disney conference center, which is beautiful. We spend our evenings trying out the restaurants or hanging out by one of the pools.

The trade show is filled with sponsors or well known and up and coming diabetes tech, resources, and devices. The kids can play games and collect swag. The adults can see new tech in person.

If your child has Type 1 diabetes, I encourage you to check out Friends for Life.