On Sunday, March 3, members and loved ones of the Type 1 diabetes (T1D) community will gather at Granite Gorge in Keene for a day of fun in the snow.

With diabetes an obstacle to many due to dietary and lifestyle restrictions, the “T1Ds Are Tube-ular Mountain Meetup” is the brainchild of a concerned parent who wants to see a world without T1D.

Diabetes targets the body’s ability to produce insulin. The pancreas struggles to make enough (if any) insulin, which is the hormone responsible for diffusing sugar into the blood cells. Without insulin, sugar can build up in the blood, which can cause a multitude of complications, including hypoglycemia.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, T1D is only observed in 5% to 10% of diabetes patients. This rarer, autoimmune variant of the disease can be developed at any age and can be triggered by routine illness. Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are both reliant on insulin treatment, whether it be regular injections or a patch. The chronic illness can also bring intense allergies such as celiac disease, alongside a weaker baseline for immune defenses. 

Amanda Perry of Antrim has spearheaded efforts to provide support for diabetics as well as their families. She is a founding member of T1Ds of Monadnock, a support group that meets monthly at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. Perry started the group alongside other parents of children with Type 1 diabetes after the suspension of similar programs at other local hospitals. The group holds independent fundraising and aims for general social acceptance and public education regarding T1D, providing information and resources to those interested. 

“T1Ds Are Tube-ular Mountain Meetup” was Perry’s idea.

“My son was diagnosed about a year-and-a-half ago. He's 4 years old,” said Perry “He got diagnosed right before his third birthday, so he was still 2, and it was a wild ride. I had no idea literally anyone at any age at any time can be diagnosed.”

The event on Sunday aims to make connections within the T1D community, especially for children like Perry’s son. Rather than fundraising, Perry has organized the event to ensure children and teens with diabetes can socialize with others who can relate to the lifestyle of T1D. 

“I'm doing this as just a volunteer because I see the need for it. So I'll probably do another event hopefully, and probably in April or something haven't really narrowed it down,” said Perry. “We're going to see how this one turns out. So it seems like there's a lot of interest on the Facebook event. So hopefully, we can make some connections. I'm looking forward to it.”

Perry further emphasized the importance of connection within the T1D community.

“My goal with this event is to provide T1D families with a fun time, an opportunity to connect with others, and encourage them to go to more events because they can make a difference in the lives of other T1Ds as well as their own,” she stated. “I also hope to spread awareness about Type 1 diabetes in my community.”

“T1Ds Are Tube-ular Mountain Meetup” will be from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at Granite Gorge at 341 Route 9, Keene. There will be giveaways and raffles. Admission is $29 per person for tubing, $41 per person for skiing.