– By Michelle Griffin

Urdu? Mandarin? Klingon? The words coming out of our pediatrician’s mouth were incomprehensible to me, as though he were speaking a foreign language.  “Your son has type 1 diabetes,” he said gravely. An hour later, as Cameron was whisked away to the ICU, the endocrinologist asked if we had any questions. My husband and I numbly shook our heads, feeling as though we had come through a portal to a strange and frightening new world.

Fast forward seven years and our son is happy, healthy and in full teenager mode. He runs track, enjoys sleepovers, and more often than not remembers to text me his blood sugar number during lunch. Over the years, by being involved with JDRF I have learned so much about this complicated disease and have great expectations that through JDRF’s strong research and advocacy capabilities, Cameron will one day have the daily burden of this disease lifted from him.

One of the best things I have done in these seven years is to become a volunteer with my chapter’s family mentor program. It has allowed me to make deep connections with other parents like me, trying to do the best for our children.

As a family mentor, I am matched with families of newly diagnosed children in my area, usually boys the same age as Cameron when diagnosed (nine). I give them a call and send an email to let them know they are not alone, that the amazing and supportive type 1 diabetes (T1D) community is ready to help them however we can.  My favorite part is sharing with them the research progress we have made thanks to JDRF, particularly in the areas I am most excited about, encapsulation and smart insulin. I have spoken with dozens of parents over the years, some of whom have become my friends. There is nothing more satisfying than hanging up the phone, knowing you have made someone feel a little better, and given them some answers and hope.

It feels like light-years since diagnosis day when we felt so alone and unprepared. I really appreciate all those in the T1D community who reached out to us in the early days, and being a family mentor is my way to do the same for others. It’s my favorite volunteer role as it does so much: provides me with a way to actively support my son and others living with this chronic disease, and inspires me by connecting me to other passionate people who share the dream of a world without T1D. I hope you will join me in becoming a family mentor and helping smooth the way for other families walking in our footsteps. Click here for more information.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Michelle is a marketing and strategy consultant. She has been volunteering with JDRF since her son’s diagnosis.  On a local chapter level, Michelle serves as a family mentor, Walk family team coach, and on the Executive Board.  She is also the Regional Volunteer Leader for California and serves on the International Board of Directors. She resides in Mill Valley, California, with her husband and two sons.