The Diabetes Family Connection

Only 2 MORE DAYS until Camp Morris!! Tag a diabuddy you can’t wait to see at Camp in the comments! (Packing List Below!)

✅ Here are some things you don’t want to forget to pack:
- Towels, we suggest 2
- Rain gear
- Shower shoes (flip flops)
- Sunscreen/Bug Spray
- Sheets for a twin bed (or a sleeping bag)
- Pillows
- Reusable water bottle
- Your blood glucose meter & test strips
- An extra Sensor and cover patches
- Extra Pump Supplies
- Chargers
- Power block, if you have one, for on-the-go charging
- A big helping of PMA!

❌ DON’T PACK these items - The DFC has you covered!
- Pen Needles
- Syringes
- Lancing devices or lancets
- Insulin

As we prepare for Camp, we at The DFC want to take a moment to thank those who make it possible!

Thank you to Cone Health for your contributions, which help provide camp (and smiles!) to those living with type 1 diabetes.

We got the campfire, you share the stories…

Hey DFC families, we want to hear your camper’s favorite Camp Morris stories in the comments below!

If this is your first year at camp, tell us what your camper is most excited about!

We can’t wait to see you at Camp Morris this weekend!!

Meet Bailey, our new Communications Coordinator! 🎉

Bailey was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult at the age of 21 years old, so he didn’t have a camp experience until he joined The Diabetes Family Connection in 2025 as our social media intern.

Since then, he’s volunteered as a counselor at several DFC events including Camp Morris, and is grateful for the opportunity to mentor, inspire, and give back to the T1D community 🩵

Bailey’s favorite low snacks are marshmallows, he has many hidden talents like yo-yoing and parkour, and he thinks it’s a little silly writing about himself in the third person! 😄

Meet Our LIT Coordinators, Kyle & Jessi!
Kyle was diagnosed with T1D in 1996, and Jessi was diagnosed in 1993. Together, they bring experience, leadership, and lots of fun to our LIT program! 💙

Kyle’s go-to low snack is gummies, and outside of camp he enjoys golfing, playing tennis, yard work, and even making candles. Fun fact: while in college, Kyle sang in a gospel choir in Birmingham, Alabama!

Jessi loves Nerd Clusters for her lows and enjoys cooking, reading, and walking her “crazy” dog. Diabetes runs in her family — both her brother and sister also live with T1D.

One thing Kyle & Jessi especially love about camp is working with our young leaders and watching their confidence and personal growth. Even campers who have been coming for years continue to learn, grow, and surprise themselves 🌟

Kyle and Jessi are excited to help this year’s LITs build leadership skills, strengthen friendships, and create unforgettable camp memories!

Meet Spenser, Our Braveheart Coordinator!
Spenser was diagnosed with T1D in 1990 and brings years of experience, creativity, and heart to our camp community.

For low snacks, Spenser’s favorites are Cherry Coke and Watermelon Sour Patch Kids — the perfect sweet combo!

Outside of camp, Spenser loves hanging with his kids, playing soccer and helping others. Whether on the field or off, finding moments to laugh with friends is always important!

Fun fact: Spenser has an invisible tattoo and loves the camp dance!
We’re so excited for the energy, encouragement, and passion Spenser brings as our Braveheart Coordinator this year!

Calling all DFC community members near Charlotte– it’s that time again! We need volunteers to help us pack the truck of supplies for Camp Morris!

If you’re interested and available on June 19th at 2pm, fill out our Google form using the link below, or email [email protected]!

https://forms.gle/1Dd94XR8nJfHXhCo7

(P.S. Only 11 MORE DAYS UNTIL CAMP! Are you counting? Cause we’re counting!)

Meet Mark, Our Pathfinders Coordinator!
Mark was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2009 and has been part of camp ever since. Camp has played such a big role in his life that he says it’s shaped who he is today and how he manages his diabetes 💙

When it comes to low snacks, gummies are always the answer. Outside of camp, Mark enjoys playing golf, hanging out with friends, and listening to music.
Fun fact: Mark can snap really loud!

Mark’s long history with camp and passion for the T1D community make him an incredible leader for our Pathfinders. He’s excited to help campers create unforgettable memories, build confidence, and feel supported every step of the way!

Meet Abby, Our Trailblazer Coordinator!
Abby was diagnosed with T1D in 2013 and started coming to camp the very same year as a camper. Camp quickly became such an important part of her life that as soon as she aged out of the camper program, she jumped right into becoming a counselor!

When it comes to treating lows, Skittles are her current go-to because they’re quick and easy — but peanut butter and banana will always have a special place in her heart.

Outside of camp, Abby loves spending time with her dog and friends, especially outdoors. Whether it’s going for walks, relaxing by the lake or pool, or getting lost in a good book, she’s happiest soaking up the sunshine and good company.

One thing to know about Abby? She’s very competitive 😄 but also incredibly approachable, responsible, and passionate about creating a positive camp experience for everyone. She loves helping campers build confidence, feel included, and create meaningful connections along the way.

We’re so excited to have Abby leading our Trailblazers this year!

Meet Katie, our Dreamer Coordinator!
Katie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2006 and has been part of camp life since she was just 10 years old. Camp quickly became her favorite place, and now she’s helping create that same magic for our youngest campers at Camp Morris, the Dreamers!

When she’s treating a low, you can usually find her reaching for her stash of fruit snacks. Outside of camp, Katie loves to read and write. Fun fact: she published her very first short story when she was a junior in high school!
We are so lucky to have Katie sharing her passion, creativity, and love for camp with our Dreamers community!