About Us
Who We Are
Kids ‘n’ Us is a committee of volunteers working for Type 1 Diabetes families: a fully volunteer-organized event designed to help families cope with the challenges and realities of living with Type 1 Diabetes. This is the only conference in Alberta that is devoted to the unique needs of those with Type 1 Diabetes and their families.
There are currently seven members on the Kids ‘n’ Us Planning Committee responsible for setting the agenda, arranging the venue, organizing donations, producing print materials, contacting volunteers, coordinating childcare, etc.
If you are available and would like to join in providing this important service to families of those with Type 1 Diabetes.
Our History
Beginning in 1988, the annual Kids ‘n’ Us Conference originated as a support program offered by the Pediatric Diabetic Education Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital. In 2004, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) assumed organizational responsibilities as an Outreach program. In 2017, in order to ensure the continuation of the event, the Kids‘n’ Us: Families Facing Diabetes Society was created by concerned parents, diabetes educators, and representatives of major diabetes-related charities.
Kids ‘n’ Us is an annual full day conference intended to provide practical information and support for children, parents, and caregivers living and working with Type 1 (formerly called Juvenile) Diabetes. Speakers and sessions focus on issues including dealing with the daily challenges of life with Type 1 Diabetes, current research towards a cure, and up-to-date diabetes management technology. In addition, there is a concurrent teens-only session providing information on how diabetes will impact common adolescent issues, and on-site childcare incorporating age-appropriate diabetes awareness and fun activities.
In 2016, an annual golf tournament in support of the Kids ‘n’ Us Conference was established. As with the conference, it is planned and presented by volunteers within the diabetes community. With the funds from the golf tournament, we are extremely pleased to be able to continue operating the Kids ‘n’ Us Conference.
Our History
Beginning in 1988, the annual Kids ‘n’ Us Conference originated as a support program offered by the Pediatric Diabetic Education Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital. In 2004, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) assumed organizational responsibilities as an Outreach program. In 2017, in order to ensure the continuation of the event, the Kids‘n’ Us: Families Facing Diabetes Society was created by concerned parents, diabetes educators, and representatives of major diabetes-related charities.
Kids ‘n’ Us is an annual full day conference intended to provide practical information and support for children, parents, and caregivers living and working with Type 1 (formerly called Juvenile) Diabetes. Speakers and sessions focus on issues including dealing with the daily challenges of life with Type 1 Diabetes, current research towards a cure, and up-to-date diabetes management technology. In addition, there is a concurrent teens-only session providing information on how diabetes will impact common adolescent issues, and on-site childcare incorporating age-appropriate diabetes awareness and fun activities.
In 2016, an annual golf tournament in support of the Kids ‘n’ Us Conference was established. As with the conference, it is planned and presented by volunteers within the diabetes community. With the funds from the golf tournament, we are extremely pleased to be able to continue operating the Kids ‘n’ Us Conference.
Our Team
Nikki Deakin
President
Barbara Armstrong
Vice President
Denis Baumgartner
Secretary
James Liska
Treasurer
Our Partners
The Kids ‘n’ Us: Families Facing Diabetes Society is extremely pleased to share that we have partnered with an additional two Canadian charities to provide increased support to families of those living with Type 1 Diabetes (TID): Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Canada (DRIFCan) and I Challenge Diabetes (ICD). We are honoured to recognize and contribute to the important work underway at these well established charities.
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Canada (DRIFCan)
DRIFCan was established in 2005 to fund the Edmonton Protocol of islet cell transplantation for those with Type 1 Diabetes. DRIFCan’s mission is to directly fund cure-based diabetes research conducted by Dr. James Shapiro and the team at the University of Alberta here in Edmonton. They believe that donors supporting diabetes research want as much funding as possible to go directly to cure-based research and work hard to make this a reality. Researchers from DRIFCan have led the research presentation component of the annual Kids ‘n’ Us Conference for several years. We appreciate their work, participation, and ongoing support of the Type 1 Diabetes community. You can learn more about their progress at Drifcan.com
I Challenge Diabetes (ICD)
ICD is an amazing charity founded by Chris Jarvis, a former Canadian Olympic athlete living with Type 1 Diabetes. ICD’s mission is to connect, empower and support people living with diabetes through mentorship and challenging programs. Their focus is on experiential education and creative problem solving, providing a supportive community and learning environment that builds confidence and helps people overcome issues that arise from managing diabetes. ICD’s vision is for people living with diabetes to have the skills, support, and courage to face challenges and discover new levels of what is possible for them to achieve. Filling a gap in support for families of those with Type 1 Diabetes, ICD has grown to offer programs across Canada including Diabuddies (in-school program supporting students with diabetes), youth adventures, sports camps, leadership retreats, workshops, and family events. Kids ‘n’ Us is fortunate to have had Chris Jarvis participate at our annual conferences and we have been excited to see ICD’s valuable programs expand and grow in support of the Type 1 Diabetes community across Canada. We encourage you to learn more about their offerings at ichallengediabetes.org.
