By CarlaAnn Henry, JDRF Eastern PA Outreach Manager

As we get deeper into the holiday season and approach the New Year, it’s easy to forget how cold and stark January and February can be. JDRF families—we have something for you to look forward to this winter!

Join other individuals and families—in all stages of life—impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D) for a day of education and connection at the JDRF Eastern PA TypeOneNation Summit on February 23, 2019, at the Chubb Hotel and Conference Center in Lafayette Hill, PA.

Below are just a few of the fantastic breakout sessions and activities at the upcoming event:

Trending T1D Technology

Interested in trending T1D technology? Not only will you be able to attend a session led by Brian Grant, renowned CHOP Certified Diabetes Educator, but when the session concludes, you’ll be able to speak with representatives from Omnipod, Dexcom, and Medtronic prepared with direct questions and ready for results!

504s, Advocating for the T1D Child at School and JDRF Advocacy Resources

Concerned about your child’s 504 Plan? Take some advice from Alan Yatvin, the seasoned Philadelphia attorney who wrote the ADA’s “Safe at School” Policy. Looking forward to your community’s town hall meeting in May? Attend the JDRF Advocacy Session led by Eastern PA’s Board Advocacy Chair, Mark Bowerman, and learn what you can do to nudge elected officials towards supporting people impacted by T1D through JDRF.

T1D After Dark

Back in the dating arena and uncertain how to broach certain topics with the new people in your life? It sounds like you should be in the front row of “T1D After Dark”, led by Dr. Shara Bialo. Not only is Dr. Bialo an esteemed endocrinologist, but she also has T1D. This lady knows her stuff! Wishing there was a similar session for your 16-year-old with T1D? Have your son or daughter register for “T1D After Dark: NC-13”! (You’ll have to sign a permission slip on the day of the event.)

KidzKave

We’re planning for a not only a day of information gathering but a day of fun! Sign up children ages 12 and under for the KidzKave, where they’ll be entertained by Camp Nejeda counselors and volunteers from the JDRF community. Not only will JDRF Eastern PA’s our own Eileen Bookbinder be the nurse in residence, but most of those volunteering with the children have T1D themselves. This will help you be able to walk away from the kids with confidence and attend the sessions that will most benefit the entire family.

Food, fun, and friends!

Included in the AMAZING DAY is a continental breakfast, a lovely lunch with gluten-free and vegetarian options, and an all-day low-bar to boot (with carb counts on hand!). You’ll have the luxury of meeting other attendees with whom you share common ground. Exchange ideas, participate in discussions important to you, make some new friends, and meet the parents of your kid’s new friends. Do your part in building and strengthening this wonderful community!

And there’s more…

I don’t want to give it all away, but there will be some surprises. Interested in Virtual Reality Glasses? This is your opportunity to try something new!

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about other JDRF events and enter a raffle if you sign up for JDRF One Walk or JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes while at the Summit!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @JDFEasternPA for more teasers and tidbits—but register for the 2019 Summit NOW, as space is extremely limited.

Fees for TON: All Attendee Tickets $10, which includes Breakout Sessions or Admission into the KIDZ KAMP, keynote speaker, vendors, continental breakfast, lunch, and low bar (for all). Groups of four or more can register together and pay only $40. Note: You can use any name you like when asked for group name on the registration page. Just be sure to register each person separately using the same group name.