Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. Without insulin, sugar builds up in our bloodstream and becomes life threatening. A T1D diagnosis often comes after a serious hospitalisation. Parents and children suddenly find themselves in an unfamiliar, ...
Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF)
KIDSAC (Kids who are Insulin Dependent Searching for A Cure)
GOAL
$53,100
International
Field of Interest
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
- Individual/family services and support
Target Population
- People with a disability, illness or disease
- General population
Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF)
Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading research advocacy and community support organisation for Type 1 diabetes. (T1D) Our vision is a world without T1D. Our mission is to accelerate life changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.
A T1D diagnosis means a lifetime of vigilant self-administered treatment, involving glucose monitoring and insulin therapy. Even with the most meticulous management, the risk of diabetes complications persists, and can be devastating. This is the reality of 140,000+ Australians already, with eight more diagnosed each day.
Since our inception over 50 years ago, we’ve transformed understandings of T1D and have been part of every breakthrough in T1D care. We drive change by investing in cutting-edge research, championing the needs of our community, and delivering programs that make life better for people living with T1D.
Project Summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. Without insulin, sugar builds up in our bloodstream and becomes life threatening. A T1D diagnosis often comes after a serious hospitalisation. Parents and children suddenly find themselves in an unfamiliar, unforgiving and isolated world with a long and steep learning curve ahead of them.
KIDSAC is a set of educational resources, produced by Breakthrough T1D and distributed free of charge via diabetes clinics and hospitals to children newly diagnosed with (T1D) each year. It is a vital frontline program for children and their families during a difficult time of need. The pack includes resources and information for both child and their carer/parent and is highly regarded by healthcare professionals.
KIDSAC consists of several components including Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes. Rufus has special patches that allow children to practice glucose tests and injections on him. Each component fulfills a specific need of the newly diagnosed child and their carer/parent, to support improved outcomes in health, T1D related knowledge and all aspects of wellbeing during an incredibly challenging time.
We are seeking funding towards the costs of this program and specifically for 1300 of these backpacks to be distributed to newly diagnosed children across the country
Project Outcomes
Breakthrough T1D’s reputation and relationships with major hospitals ensure that all hospitals diagnosing children receive packs. On average 1,300 children will receive the KIDSAC free of charge, engaging 90% of the number of newly diagnosed children under the age of 14.
In hospital, the child may or may not understand a diagnosis of T1D. They may be struggling to emotionally deal with it and be fearful of injections. The Rufus Bear and book in the KIDSAC provide solace and comfort for the child at this time and beyond.
The educational resources in KIDSAC (written by leading T1D clinicians) provide parents with the necessary information needed to start learning how to manage their child’s diabetes without having to search through the internet looking for accurate and often overwhelming information. The resources can then be used to help educate other family members.
Resourcing in hospitals can be limited and having a support and educational pack on site, ready to use, provided free of charge and replaced automatically is highly valued by the diabetes care team.
The KIDSAC program introduces the family to Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community helping reduce the feeling of isolation and anxiety after a diagnosis. We offer one on one support, connection to online communities and provides valuable information on T1D research, technology advancements and clinical trials.
Outcomes are measured by the number of packs distributed and feedback from the children, parents, and healthcare professionals. Breakthrough T1D conducts regular reviews of pack inclusions and seeks out community feedback.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $113,100
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Private philanthropic donations | $60,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| KIDSAC backpacks x 1300 | $22,100 |
| RUFUS teddy Bear x 1300 | $15,600 |
| Caring for Diabetes in Children and Adolescence, a comprehensive practical guide to all aspects of diabetes care x 1300 | $39,000 |
| Australian Carbohydrate Counter, a guide to counting carbs x 1300 | $14,300 |
| RUFUS Comes Home Book x 1300 | $10,400 |
| *NEW* Parent and Carers Wellbeing Guide x 1300 | $7,800 |
| Display folder x 1300 | $3,900 |
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