In an unprecedented demonstration of commitment to diabetes care, Hoag,
in partnership with CHOC and through CHOC, and thePediatric Adolescent
Diabetes Research Education (PADRE), is collaborating to ensure that all
members of our community have timely access to expert diabetes prevention,
care and education. Through CHOC Children’s Hospital andMary &
Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag, PADRE provides regional support, education,
and events to help bring knowledge and normalcy to families affected by
diabetes. Families feel that the service PADRE provides is essential to
their continual emotional well-being.
PADRE programs help many low-income and vulnerable children who live with
the very challenging disease ofT1D. PADRE provides over 100 classes and
support groups annually to approximately 2,000 children and their parents
and siblings, providing them with much-needed diabetes self-care education
that goes beyond what is provided at initial diagnosis. These 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, Insulin Shot Class and Pump Basics
Class, which all assist in managing T1D. Many of classes are taught in
Spanish and classes serve children and adolescents from throughout Orange
County. Participants are taught by the Diabetes Team of CHOC Hospital
and include Certified Diabetes Educators and Registered Dieticians, as
well as physicians and psychologists. All classes are provided at no cost
as more than half of those served are of low-income.
In addition, the PADRE Foundation hosts numerous fun activities for children
and families (family retreats, annual fashion show, teen retreats, harvest
carnival, Christmas party, etc). The purpose of these activities is to
give these children a sense of normalcy by allowing them to learn side
by side with their peers who do the same things that any child with diabetes
must do (test their blood sugar, take shots, measure food, etc.).
PADRE is truly changing lives:
"They say there is going to be a cure within my life time, but until
then PADRE is the next best thing." -Megan Schoeff, Age 17, Diagnosed in 2009
"PADRE has honestly been the best thing since my diagnosis! They
have helped me realize that I'm not alone and have given me self-confidence,
education, but most importantly understand me and the disease. Thank you
PADRE for everything!" -Ryan Mills, Age 14, Diagnosed in 2003.
"PADRE means everything to me. It picked me up when I was pushed
down by diabetes. It surrounded me with other diabetics that would become
my best friends." -Kailey Cooley, Age 11, Diagnosed in 2007.
For more information on PADRE, please
visitpadrefoundation.org.