New to Diabetes? You're Not Alone

For questions or to contact someone in your area, email outreach@jdrfwestmichigan.com

More information about JDRF West Michigan (pdf brochure)

Contact a member of the JDRF volunteer Online Diabetes Support Team, a group of  volunteers working with staff to provide one-to-one support, a sympathetic ear, and some practical suggestions to families affected by diabetes.

Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Personal stories from JDRF families

Personal stories from JDRF West Michigan families

Dear Newly Diagnosed Family:
We all remember the day diabetes entered our lives. A new diagnosis of Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes can be overwhelming. Our volunteers at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation know and understand what this new diagnosis can mean, since "they have been there". Our JDRF Outreach committee has mentors available to listen, offer support and help find answers to questions you may have.

Life with diabetes poses challenges for every member of the family. Whether you or a loved one has diabetes, it takes time to adapt to the day-to-day demands of the disease. Treatment options are improving all of the time, and diabetes will not prevent you or your child or loved one from living a full and active life. JDRF offers opportunities for you to participant in support groups that meet monthly and family activities. You can also become an advocate and a volunteer! Please browse our website for more details about our JDRF West Michigan family .

JDRF's mission is constant - to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through supporting research. The West Michigan Chapter was founded in 1992 by parents of children with diabetes. Since then we have raised over $10 million for research by hosting a Walk to Cure Diabetes, Gala and now, even a Ride to Cure Diabetes. Our events strive to be fun, rewarding and bring us closer to our dream - a life without diabetes.

If you received a Bag of Hope, please complete the Bag of Hope Registration Form. Registering will allow JDRF to continue funding this important outreach effort for more newly diagnosed families. Thank you for helping by completing the form.

JDRF is about hope and support and the knowledge that we are moving closer to a cure by supporting research. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

Thank you.
Katie Clark
Mentor Chair
616-299-3637

"together we will be known as the people who cured diabetes"