Family Link – Diabetes Care and Emotions

INDIANAPOLIS- Families of children with diabetes are invited to join the American Diabetes Association for Family Link® Day, and interact with other families facing the same challenges.  

Family Link Day is a free event taking place on Saturday August 22, from 9:00 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Fairbanks Hall, IU School of Medicine, 340 W. 10^th Street, Indianapolis that allows families to choose either an all day caregiver training or several general session. Special keynote speaker, Kerri Sparling will discuss The Emotions of Diabetes. Other speakers include David Marrero, PhD, Nathan W. Stupiansky, PhD, Jessica C. Kichler, PhD and Cherise Shockley. 

Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m., lunch is provided and the event concludes at 3 p.m. Topics to be covered include the family’s emotional rollercoaster ride of diabetes, social media support: navigating blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other sites to find trusted sources, real life, realistic ideas for dealing with isolation, frustrations, celebrations, travel, overnights, etc.  A separate Caregiver training is also offered for grandparents, school nurses, babysitters, etc. (Caregiver training is the entire day.) Reservations are required and childcare is provided for ages 5-12.  

RSVP at diabetes.org/Indiana, email jsykes@diabetes.org or call 317-352-9226. 

Diabetes is a disease that affects nearly 29 million children and adults in the United States. Staying up to date on research can help minimize complications associated with diabetes including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, amputations and early death.  The power of research is insurmountable in the fight to end diabetes.  

This program is in collaboration with the Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana. This activity is supported by a contribution from Animas Corporation.