Community and Conferences
Children with Diabetes started back in 1995, after the diagnosis of Jeff and Brenda Hitchcock's 24 month old daughter, Marissa. That diagnosis brought an immediate need for information, education, and community ... and brought about the creation of one of the most trusted and robust global diabetes communities. The CWD team has spent the last 25 years bringing together families affected by diabetes, both online and offline, to create space for people to thrive after a diabetes diagnosis. Our Friends for Life conferences have been taking place since 2001, and continue on in 2020 and beyond. Our newer CWD programs and events, like our Screenside Chat series, MoFFL and Moms with T1D meetups, and our upcoming FFL Minis (more on that soon!) provide ways for our community to continue to digitally connect, even during a pandemic.
No matter what, CWD is here for the ever-changing and evolving diabetes community. We've grown together, from the moments when our children were diagnosed to the moments where our children had children of their own. And we will continue to be here for one another, through it all.
For the latest on our upcoming digital events, in-person conferences, and everything in-between, check back often on this page. We'll be updating this content regularly to reflect what's new.
Friends for Life Conferences
"One of the most magical times for people with diabetes happens every year in July, with the annual Friends For Life® Conference hosted at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida."
Friends for Life® Winter gives the diabetes community access to world-renowned clinicians, researchers, advocates, and industry partners. Each day of the conference is centered around a specific diabetes subject matter: Focus Group Friday, Psychosocial Saturday, and Science and Advocacy Sunday, with sessions and speakers aligned around these essential themes. We will also have an Exhibit Hall to showcase offerings from our sponsors. Come join us for the fun!
Planning for Friends for Life® Orlando is already underway, and our team is hard at work planning for an in-person conference while working in a virtual component so that our community is supported and connected ... no matter how we reach one another. Registration for Friends for Life Orlando 2021 will be opening in Spring 2021.
Projects + Programs
During these times when COVID-19 is limiting the ways we're able to connect with one another, our CWD family will stay united through fireside chat-style webinars.
We're hosting webinars every other Sunday afternoon at 3 pm ET / noon PT. Come hang out with the CWD staff and our slate of special guests! Please watch this space for announcements about upcoming chats and events.
