The month of November is dedicated to diabetes awareness, and the Diabetes Link club is making the effort to spread the word on campus.
While the club was stagnant when it was first created, this semester’s project is in full swing. Members have started making care packages for newly diagnosed kids at the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Started by their president, Beckett Sebok ‘23, during the spring 2022 academic term, the club is a part of the College Diabetes Network, a bigger non-profit national organization that supports diabetic college students in their transition to adulthood.
“There’s a lot of stigma behind it and a lot of negative connotations with the word diabetes,” Sebok said. “We’re really trying to spread awareness and make a support system for students on campus who know people with diabetes or have experienced diabetes themselves.”
Since then, the club has cultivated a sense of community and support within its members.
“I’m a freshman so this is my first time being away from home,” Vice President Sophie Grove said. “Being able to have a support system and people who understand what’s going on has been really nice. Knowing that I have people in my corner who get it is really cool.”
The club held a tabling event in front of the Clark Library on Nov. 10, where students passing by were able to make cards to go into the care packages. Members emphasize that students don’t have to be diabetic to get involved. They can join the club for support.
“I don’t have diabetes, but I joined the club to better support my loved ones who do have diabetes, and understand what they’re going through,” treasurer Maya Doss-Hammel said. “I think the club also serves as a safe space for people with and without diabetes and a support system on campus.
For students interested in joining the club, meetings take place in DB 235 every Monday from 6-7 p.m. The link to their Engage page can also be found here.
Janea Melido is Copy Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at melido24@up.edu.
