Imagine the setting: A large family home with a dining room table that stretches further than the eye can see. It is adorned with foods that bring you warmth and comfort. The chairs are filled with the families from our community. To your right may be a grandfather who has been living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since childhood. To your left is a mother whose young son was just diagnosed last month. While you may have only just met at this table, there is an immediate connection and sense of belonging.

Someone at the head of the table asks, “What are you thankful for this year?” A woman shares the impact the closed-loop system has on managing her blood sugar levels. A father brags about his child’s recent accomplishments on the basketball team and acknowledges the support he has received from a coach. A little girl celebrates her first sleepover since her T1D diagnosis. A teenager boasts of his lowest A1C.

For us at JDRF, there are memories shared of our experiences in the rain and sun at JDRF One Walk, speaking to members of Congress about living with T1D, miles and smiles at Ride to a Cure, excitement scoring the hot-ticket auction item at the One Dream Gala, and an almost hole-in-one at the Golf Classic.

There is laughter and there are tears.

And, as the turkey and potatoes are passed, the carb counting begins, but the laughter continues.

While there are always struggles, we have so much to be thankful for. Thank you for being at our family table; thank you for sharing your experiences and support for one another.