How to Support Diabetes Research the Painless Way

Has your life been touched by diabetes? Shop the American Diabetes Association Gift of Hope Catalog to support diabetes research this holiday season. It's a small act that has BIG returns!

A special thanks to the American Diabetes Association Gift of Hope program for sponsoring this post.

A Scary Introduction

“Your sister is in the hospital,” said the familiar voice on the other end of the line. I was a recent college grad, working my first real job in Minneapolis, three hours from home. My sister was in high school, still a baby to me.

I had to see her. I got in the car and drove.

The very first time I saw my sister she was a newborn baby. It was a cold January day and my boots crunched in the frozen snow as my dad led my older brother and me to the back of hospital. We peered into the window of our mom’s room as she unwrapped our new sister and showed us her tiny fingers and toes. I was not exactly thrilled to be a big sister for the first time at age 5.

I thought about that memorable day as I crunched across the snowy hospital parking lot and into my sister’s room. It was Valentine’s Day. She was 17 and had just been diagnosed with juvenile (type 1) diabetes.

I felt helpless. I wanted to DO SOMETHING but there was nothing I could do.

How to Fight Diabetes

I bet your life has been touched by diabetes too (more than 29 million Americans have diabetes including 1.25 million children and adults who have type 1 or juvenile diabetes).

I know you want to DO SOMETHING and it's easier than you think. All you have to do is shop!

My mom buys Christmas cards and gifts each and every year from the American Diabetes Association Gift of Hope Catalog. It’s a small act with BIG returns.

The Gift of Hope was started in 1971 by a few parents of children with diabetes. They sold holiday greeting cards to raise fund to fight diabetes.

And, boy, are they successful!

The program has raised more than $26 million to date and now includes an annual Holiday Gift catalog and shopping website.

The catalog now funds research to help prevent, cure and manage diabetes. In addition, the American Diabetes Association:

Provides services for people are at high risk of diabetes & pre-diabetes.
Educates people who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Advocates for people with diabetes.

Shop to Stop Diabetes

The Gift of Hope program is a huge success because of people like you and me. People who have been touched by diabetes and want to make a difference. People who care.

You should choose the Gift of Hope catalog for greeting cards and last minute gifts this holiday season. It’s filled with a variety of products you are sure to love.

No catalog? The online line store is a convenient way to shop anytime, anyplace.

What to Buy

The the Gift of Hope catalog has a wide variety of gifts. You can order everything from a Christmas charm bracelet to a yoga set or even a casserole cover. There's something for everyone on your list.

I got holiday cards and a gorgeous felt advent calendar (it’s nearly 6 feet tall and can be used again and again by kids of all ages).

The best part of shopping on the website? I love that I get to DO SOMETHING to support diabetes research with each gift I send and each holiday card I write!

My Gift to You

Download my free printable Christmas Wish List as a thank you for supporting diabetes research (download the PDF in the free printable library). Then jot down a few gift ideas, pour a cup of coffee, and get your shopping done while helping the American Diabetes Association!