COMMIT-TED has put together its most important program to date. The Free Informational Event on June 4th at Moraine Valley Community College will be an event like no other for Type I families in this area.

I am dedicating this month's email to explain it in detail, and will attempt to convince you on why you should attend.

First of all, it is information packed. In addition to having Special Guests Gary Gilles and Suzanne Elder, volunteers from four local hospital clinics are supporting this effort by presenting breakout sessions which you can pick and choose from. In all, you will get to see up to 5 different sessions! Bring someone else to cover simultaneous breakouts. No session is longer than 45 minutes.

Click HERE for the Schedule.

Pumps and CGMs. For those families considering an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, this event offers a valuable opportunity. General information will be provided by Laurie Slavin and Mimi Zaleski. And two companies, Medtronic and Omnipod, will discuss the special features of their technologies. In addition, these companies will also have a display set-up for you to ask personal questions and see their technology up close. 

Technology Update. We're so busy. Who has time to look up the latest technology announcements? What's out there now, and what's on the horizon for our kids? What resources are available on the Internet? There is so much to filter through. These topics will be covered by Gary Gilles, an expert on such issues.  

Anxiety Relief. John Henry is coming from Texas to introduce MyCare Connect, a simple, free way that you and other care providers can know your child's blood sugar almost instantaneously, whenever they test. John will also have a table to discuss your personal questions, and show you the technology.

Schools. What does the new law passed late last year mean for our children in the upcoming school year? Suzanne Elder addresses the issue with an update and special Q and A session on the Care Of Students With Diabetes Act. For those families that expressed their strong feelings on this issue, now is your chance to get all your questions answered, first hand!

Sports. Lets face it, our kids are active. And we will not let this disease hold them back from particpating in the things they want to do! But, just how do we manage insulin during exercise? Michelle Adams, an exercise physiologist, will discuss this, followed up by a presentation on administering glucagon, a parent's worst fear on the field (or anywhere).

Diet. How many times have we wondered "What should I be feeding my kid'? Just what is a good Type I diet? Lara Rondinelli-Hamilton, a nutrition specialist, will help us figure it out. Celiac disease and diet will also be covered if there is interest.

The Other Kids. Did you know that you can have your other children tested for antibodies indicative of Type I onset? Martha Halsey-Lyda will discuss TrialNet, and answer your questions and concerns regarding this study - which is being done to help understand the development of Type I diabetes.

College Preparation. Your child is in high school, and man, the years are flying by. The cure that we had hoped for before our kid goes off to college

just isn't going to be there for us. Now what? Sue Apsey from the American Diabetes Association, and a local Type I family will discuss the issue to help you when you're ready to cross this bridge.

Ketones. You know, after 7 years in dealing with this disease, I still feel like I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to ketones. When should I test? When should I call the doctor? Dr. Courtney Finlayson breaks it down.

Growth Transition. OK, my son will be 13 next month. Seems like overnight that his demand for insulin increased by 10 units per day. So I change the basal pump settings, and of course, within a week he is always low. What gives with the yoyo of insulin demand as kids transition through childhood phases? Amy Hess Fischl can offer some guidance.

Aside from these informative sessions, you'll have the opportunity to meet families living under the same circumstances. Importantly, these connections can prove to be powerful. No one knows this disease unless you live with it. The people attending get what you're going through.

Lastly, the event is free. How can you beat that?

The following announcement has links to the webpage and registration. I hope you will give this a serious look and consideration. It's not that often that something like this is provided specifically for our families. Please contact me with any questions at brian@commit-ted.com

I just want to mention one more thing. This event does not happen without the generous particpation of the special guest speakers, and those professionals leading breakout sessions. I sincerely appreciate their help in supporting this and other COMMIT-TED events. 

Hope to see you on June 4th!

Brian Trost