Since 1985, the PADRE Foundation has worked to better the lives of children and families living withType 1 diabetes.
Mission Statement
At PADRE, our mission is to empower, educate, and inspire individuals and families affected by Type 1 diabetes (T1d). We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where everyone impacted by T1d can find the resources, guidance, and connections they need to thrive. Our organization is committed to:
Educate:
We believe that knowledge is the key to managing T1d. Our organization is dedicated to offering comprehensive, up-to-date educational resources that help individuals and their support networks better understand T1d, its management, and the latest advancements in treatment and technology. By promoting education, we aim to foster informed decision-making and promote a culture of self-care.
Community:
We recognize the importance of a strong and compassionate community in navigating the challenges of T1d. Our organization serves as a safe and welcoming space where individuals and families can connect, share experiences, and find emotional support. We organize events, support groups, and online platforms that foster a sense of belonging, reducing the isolation often associated with T1d.
Advocacy:
Beyond individual support, we are dedicated to advocating for the needs and rights of those living with T1d. By raising awareness and collaborating with healthcare professionals, we work to improve access to care, affordability of treatments and opportunities for advancements in T1d research.
From our base at CHOC (Children’s Health Orange County), and also at Hoag Hospital’s Mary and Dick Allen Diabetes Center in Newport Beach, PADRE provides regional support, education and events to help bring knowledge and normalcy to families affected by Type 1 diabetes. Our families feel that the service PADRE provides is essential to their emotional well-being.
Diabetes Education and Support
Our programs help many low-income and vulnerable children who live with the very challenging disease of Type 1 diabetes. PADRE provides over 100 classes and support groups to approximately 1,700 children and their parents and siblings, providing the much-needed diabetes self-care education that goes beyond what is provided at initial diagnosis. Our programs are 100% funded through philanthropy; there is no insurance or government reimbursement.
On a monthly basis, PADRE offers specialized classes such as our Caregiver’s Class, Carbohydrate Counting Class and Pump Basics Class, which all assist in managing Type 1 diabetes. Many of our classes are taught in Spanish, which enables us to address the needs of those Spanish-speaking families with Type 1 diabetes. Classes serve children and adolescents from throughout Orange County (plus other Southern California counties). They are taught by the Diabetes team from CHOC and include Certified Diabetes Educators and Registered Dieticians, as well as physicians and psychologists. All classes are provided at no cost as more that half of those we serve are low-income.
In addition, the PADRE Foundation hosts numerous fun activities for children and families (family retreats, annual fashion show, teen retreats, harvest carnival, holiday party, etc.) The purpose of these activities is to enable these children to have a sense of normalcy and to enable them to be side by side with their peers who do the same things that any child with diabetes must do (check their blood sugar, take shots, measure food, etc.). Acceptance of their disease along with establishing a routine is mandatory to prevent the numerous complications a child living with diabetes can face.