Meet Bailey

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a few months before my 14th birthday. I was scared and had no clue what diabetes even was. A few of the nurses and doctors at Phoenix Children’s Hospital encouraged me to go to an ADA camp, which was Camp AZDA. I was skeptical at first, but once I got there, I had the time of my life. This was the first time since my diagnosis that I did not feel alone with an incurable condition. I met people who are still some of my best friends to this day! Camp has always been extremely special to me. The following year that I was at camp, I had to leave early because my brother suddenly passed away. But everyone at camp was so supportive of me and showed me so much love. It truly showed me that the people you meet at camp care about you deeper than just a camper or a friend, but care for you as if you are family. I returned to camp as a counselor because I wanted to make my campers and co-counselors feel as important and loved as they have always made me feel. To me, camp is not just about learning independence and having space as a diabetic, but also about having a second family that will support and love you unconditionally.