In our second set of break out sessions, you have the opportunity to hear about topics ranging from advocacy, technology, management during exercise and a parent’s edition of Taking T1D to College. Here are the speakers who will be presenting on these topics:

PEAK (Performance in Exercise and Knowledge)

In addition to providing our Mission Update, JDRF’s President and CEO, Dr. Aaron Kowalski, will lead the our PEAK session. He has been living with T1D for over 35 years. While living with T1D, he has completed 20 marathons and remains an avid golfer and ice hockey player. Dr. Kowalski holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a doctorate in microbiology and molecular genetics from Rutger’s University.

 

 

Let’s Get Techy

Gary Scheiner is owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services, a practice located just outside of Philadelphia specializing in intensive insulin therapy and advanced education for children and adults. Gary has been a Certified Diabetes Educator for 24 years and has had type 1 diabetes for 33 years. Gary was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.  He has written dozens of articles for diabetes trade publications and six books, including the best-selling “Think Like A Pancreas-A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes With Insulin”.

Representatives from the following diabetes technology companies will also be represented on the panel for this session: Tandem Diabetes, Medtronic, Insulet, Xeris, Dexcom, BD, Ascensia and Glooko. As we confirm additional companies, we will update our list!

JDRF’s Health Policy Priorities

Eva Rosa is a member of our chapter Advocacy Committee. Eva became engaged with JDRF after her daughter, Isa, was diagnosed at the age of six. Eva’s family motto is “it takes a little voice to make a big difference.” That’s why Eva and Isa jumped at the chance to join JDRF as advocates at a Promise to Remember Me meeting with Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen. And, when Senator Menendez pledged to support the Medicare CGM coverage bill, it was then that Eva realized the impact of advocacy. Eva and Isa continue to use their voice – meeting with mayors, school boards and local Assemblymen – to make a big difference.

Gretchen Van Mater is the Outreach Coordinator for JDRF New Jersey Metro and Rockland County Chapter. Her passion for the T1D community was fueled by her oldest daughter’s diagnosis in 2015. She works with families and adults to help connect them with the resources and support they need on their journey with type 1 diabetes. Prior to joining JDRF, Gretchen worked in the insurance and pharmaceutical industries.

Taking T1D to College (Parent’s Edition)

In addition to the panel who spoke in our Teen Talk during the first session, our presenters from The College Diabetes Network will be joined by T1D Mom, Ellen Anolik. Ellen has been the parent of a child with T1D since 2014, when her daughter, Hannah, was diagnosed at 6 years old. Since then, she has walked with Hannah in JDRF One Walks, went with Hannah to the 2011 JDRF Children’s Congress and much more! She’s stayed involved in JDRF and the T1D community even after Hannah went away to college.

 

Teen Talk: T1D Champions: All Day. Every Day.

Kate Hall will be joining our panel of champions for the afternoon session in Teen Talk. She shares her personal story on how she overcame challenges in diabetes, celiac disease and being an elite athlete in general on her blog, Jumping Into Greater Things. Kate is sponsored by Insulet Corporation, makers of the Omnipod® Insulin Management System.

 

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up for TypeOneNation Summit today!

If you are an adult living with T1D, you can find more information on the speakers for the adult program here.