Mentors play an integral role in reaching out to newly diagnosed families and individuals, affirming that they are not alone in their journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D). They are teachers, supporters, connectors, and friends —sharing their personal experiences with families to help minimize struggle and connect them to resources and the larger Breakthrough T1D community.

Mentors are passionate about Breakthrough T1D. They are  ambassadors who understand that Breakthrough T1D is diligently working towards a cure for T1D and are able to express this in a gentle way with newly diagnosed families and individuals.

As a Breakthrough T1D Mentor, you will:

• Serve as one of the first points of contact for a newly diagnosed family or individual and reassure them that they are not alone
• Give those you mentor an opportunity to connect with the T1D community by extending an invitation to upcoming Breakthrough T1D events/activities
• Touch base with the family or individual on a regular basis
• Attend a formal in-person training
• Attend in-person and/or phone meetings with the Mentor committee
• Commit to a two-year volunteer term, 2-5 hours per month

Mentor requirements:

•  Have over a year of experience  living with or caring for someone with T1D
• Have a positive outlook on life with T1D
• Understand the Breakthrough T1D mission and be familiar with Breakthrough T1D’s areas of research focuses
• Participate in one or more of JDRF’s fundraising programs
• Possess great communication and excellent listening skills

If you would like to volunteer as a Breakthrough T1D Mentor or would like more information, please contact April Case at acase@BreakthroughT1D.org or 770.395.5982.