Rufus’s Holiday Tailgate

About

Grab your favorite Buffalo football gear or festive holiday sweater join us for Rufus’s Holiday Tailgate, a fun-filled morning of breakfast, football-inspired activities, and hands-on learning for children and youth living with type 1 diabetes(T1D) and their families.

Kids can fuel up at the breakfast bar before heading through a lineup of interactive “pregame” stations led by local healthcare professionals. Along the way, they’ll learn important T1D skills through games, crafts, and activities designed to make learning fun:

• Carb Count Combine – Practice carb counting like a pro
• Skin in the Game – Learn best practices for pump and CGM site placement
• Pump House – Explore heart health and staying active
• Equipment Management Station – Discover how to properly store and care for insulin
• And more football-themed learning stations!

Each station includes a hands-on activity, a take-home craft, and a stamp on a Season Pass that enters participants into a prize drawing.

These activities help children build confidence in managing T1D while having fun alongside other kids and families who understand the journey.

Everyone in the T1D community is welcome. Come spend the morning connecting with Western New York families who get it, sharing experiences, and celebrating the season together.

Don’t forget your Rufus Bear! If you don’t have one, simply select “I don’t have a Rufus Bear” during registration. Our team will contact you separately to help order one.

Who is Rufus?

Rufus is the Bear with Diabetes, and for many children he’s the first friend they make after diagnosis. He has type 1 diabetes too, with patches showing where insulin can be given so kids can practice him first. Rufus comes free to newly diagnosed families in the Bag of Hope, and at our tailgate, he’s the host!

We can’t wait to huddle up with you this holiday season!