ADAM DAHLFORS

I’ve volunteered quite a bit of my time to Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA) over the last couple of years at events such as this and kid’s camps. The camps are one of the primary functions of CODA and they can’t do it on their own. 

My dad and little brother are both Type 1 Diabetic. Growing up I had decent knowledge on the disease, but was never fully immersed into it. My dad took care of himself and my brother was cared for by my dad. It wasn’t until volunteering at the kid’s camps that I realized the full responsibility and stress that comes from having diabetes. The moment that made the biggest impression on me was during my first overnight camp. I volunteered to do night rounds, which involved going tent-to-tent to check the kids’ blood sugar at midnight as a precaution. For those that don’t know, checking blood sugar involves getting the tip of your finger stuck by a needle large enough to draw blood. It doesn’t feel good. What amazed me is that over half the kids (8-13 years old) didn’t wake up or even flinch. I know they were playing all day, but if you poked a needle in my finger I’m gonna wake up! At first I thought, “wow, that’s impressive! These kids are really strong!” The more I thought about it though, I realized how sad it was. No one should be made to feel like having a needle inserted in you is normal. 

CODA isn’t a big non-profit org like ADA or JDRF who is out to cure diabetes. They are a small, local non-profit with the objective to make diabetes educational and manageable for those inflicted until a cure arrives.

Learn more about CODA and the diabetes camps, programs and services, 
please visit  http://diabetesohio.org/ or call 614-884-4400 for more information.