Ranging from “gab gatherings” to guest speakers (like psychologists and medical reps) to special events (such as roller skating or picnics at the park), the Brighton Breakthrough T1D Networking Coffee Group is a community hub offering a safe place to have discussions about experiences with T1D.

In-person gatherings range from an intimate five-person chat session to a 35-person spirited discussion. Regular meetings take place at the Brighton iHop the first Friday of every month (pending special circumstances).

The group is supported online through the closed group “Go-Getters Breakthrough T1D Group,” which has approximately 125 members, primarily those who have T1D or have family members with T1D, usually children between the ages of 8-15. On Facebook, the group maintains an open dialogue, often focusing on children with T1D, but also various subjects related to T1D, including the latest technological advances and seasonal support (for example, when many kids are playing sports).

As Sheila Andring, who oversees the Brighton Networking Group remarks, “It’s the best group you’ve never wanted to join.” Sheila, who has only missed three meetings in the past eight years, describes the group as a place where you can make a lot of friends because it’s an open and accepting community of people who come together to share with and learn from one another.

If you are from the Livingston County area and would like to join the Brighton Breakthrough T1D Networking Coffee Group, please contact Sheila at andringfamily@gmail.com for next meeting details and to join the Facebook group.