November is National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM) and JDRF Rocky Mountain has much in store for you!  Whether you’re planning a social media education campaign, planning to wear blue every Friday in November, or encouraging your school to help raise awareness, you can find the information you need right here to share why, where and how people can support JDRF this month!

Participate online and with your social media accounts

In 2017, JDRF’s #T1DLooksLikeMe Campaign took social media by storm with more than 90,000 participants.  Join the movement by changing your profile picture to Blue using JDRF filters or by creating your own photo or footprint. Use the hashtags #ImtheType to share with the world that you’re the Unstoppable, Unrelenting, Never Give Up, Fight for the Cure Type.   Help educate your online community by sharing the 24/7 reality of the #T1Dyoudontsee, teach them the #Diabasics by sharing signs and symptoms, or share our T1D vs. T2d flyer.   Visit JDRF.org to learn more.

Help promote NDAM in your community and schools

Educating the world around us can sometimes be one of the most difficult parts of T1D outside of the daily management.   This November, JDRF has created ways to help spread awareness about this disease in your community and schools.    The T1D Signs and Symptoms flyer was sent to every school district in Colorado and Wyoming thanks to help from our volunteer group at Pearson!

Other ways to educate your neighbors and friends this November:

• Share this T1D Signs and Symptoms flyer with your school, community center, gym or workplace.
• Send a letter to your school administrator about National Diabetes Awareness Month.
• Ask your school or class to hold an assembly or host your family to talk about your journey with T1D.   We’ve created  a letter template to help you start the conversation! Visit JDRF.org/resources for more details
• Encourage a fundraiser at your workplace or school!   Incorporate wearing blue into Fridays or dress down days as an incentive to fundraise for JDRF Rocky Mountain! Learn more about fundraising opportunities HERE
• Encourage family, friends, and schools to be screened for T1D and Celiac disease (the two most commonly diagnosed childhood autoimmune diseases) by participating in the JDRF-funded ASK Program.  Visit ASKhealth.org for more info.

Light the Night Blue with JDRF

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. On this day we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Fredrich Banting, one of the scientists responsible for the discovery of insulin.   To commemorate this life-saving, world altering discovery, the International Diabetes Federation partners with diabetes organizations all over the world to coordinate the lighting of important monuments and buildings blue on the night of November 13.  Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, and the Empire State building have all turned blue for diabetes.   More than 20 important buildings and monuments in Colorado and Wyoming will participate on November 13 including The Denver City and County Building, the Clocktower Cabaret, Elitch Gardens, and the Pepsi Center.

For more information and ways to be involved in November, contact Kelli Raleigh by emailing Kraleigh@jdrf.org or by calling 303-209-7719.