Young people from across the country are gathering over Memorial Day weekend to learn, laugh, and create connections focused on their shared health condition — type 1 diabetes (T1D). The conference will be led by organizational founder and inspirational T1D leader, Nicole Johnson, and also features T1D musician and American Idol semi-finalist Adam Lasher, and T1D American Ninja Warrior Kyle Cochran. The conference of over 125 young people is being hosted by Dr. Nicole Johnson, a former Miss America with diabetes residing in Florida.
Here are the details of the conference:
WHO: College Students & Young Adults Affected by Type 1 Diabetes
WHAT: Students/Young Adults With Diabetes National Conference
WHEN: Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28
WHERE: Sea World Renaissance Hotel, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando FL
Students/Young Adults With Diabetes aims to create a community for young adults with diabetes ages 18-30 on both college campuses and in local communities across the country. This non-profit organization equips young adults with the tools and information they need to succeed, and provides professional and social opportunities to create peer networks.
Not only will conference attendees enjoy fun activities including the “SWD Amazing Race,” they will discuss topics involving alcohol and diabetes, health insurance and finances, diabetes advocacy, eating disorders and depression, and advances in research including the artificial pancreas and other new technology tools.
The genesis of this organization began with the type 1 diagnosis of a college student at the University of South Florida in 1993. That college student, Nicole Johnson, was told to drop out of school, give up on her career dreams and live a predictable life. Ignoring this advice, Johnson pursued her dreams and became one of the country’s greatest role models as Miss America 1999. Johnson has devoted her life to improving health outcomes for those living with diabetes while earning three advanced degrees including a doctorate in public health.
