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Help children like Molly know they are not the only 1. 

Along with Molly, around 1.5 million Australians live with diabetes of all types. 

Support children living with type 1 diabetes. Make a tax deductible donation before June 30. 

“I can’t think about that day without crying,” Molly’s mum Kirsty says. 

‘That day’ was Mother’s Day in 2017. In a cruel twist of fate, this was when eight-year-old Molly – the eldest of Kirsty and Ben’s four children – became desperately ill. 

“We went straight to hospital. The nurse took one look at her, pricked her finger then went ‘bang’ on a buzzer. It just went crazy from there; it was a blur, a whirlwind.” 

As Molly drifted in and out of consciousness, her stunned mum was told what was really wrong. And instantly she knew their lives would never be the same again. Molly had type 1 diabetes and had developed diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA – a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. Kirsty says, “It was probably the worst way to find out your daughter has diabetes.”

“After diagnosis, it was a very lonely time for Molly. The invitations stopped – sleepovers, birthday parties, playdates. At the time she needed her friends most, her support network was taken away,” says Kirsty. 

So, when one of Diabetes Australia’s educators suggested Molly might benefit from attending a DiaBuddies Day, the family jumped at the chance.  

It was instant. Molly no longer felt like she was the only 1. DiaBuddies gave her a community when she needed it most.  

In addition to the DiaBuddies Days, Molly also went to a DiaBuddies camp where she had the opportunity to hang out with more kids just like her. The connections and friendships she made during this time helped Molly feel supported and part of a community.   

Molly is now 16 years old, in Year 11 at high school and is thriving. A talented singer and actor, and strong diabetes advocate, we know Molly is going to go far! Molly’s story is proof of how DiaBuddies Youth Programs, and your donations, change lives. 

What are DiaBuddies Days?

DiaBuddies Days bring children, families and health professionals together in a supportive and engaging environment. Through fun, hands-on and educational activities, these events empower families with practical diabetes management skills, help children build lasting friendships, and strengthen a connected, informed community.

As part of our broader youth programs, DiaBuddies supports young people living with all types of diabetes. We deliver events across metropolitan, regional and rural areas, along with online sessions for parents, carers and kids, so every family can access the support they need, wherever they are.

These vital programs are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

When you give to Diabetes Australia, your donation can help us reach more families, host more DiaBuddies Days, and ensure no child with diabetes feels alone.

A diabetes diagnosis in childhood can be isolating. But with your help, it doesn’t have to be.

Donate before June 30 and help us create a stronger, more connected future for children living with diabetes.

 

“Conversation, community and connection, that is what DiaBuddies Days gave us.”

~ Kirsty, Molly’s mum. 

 

 

Donate this tax time to help families living with diabetes

With your tax deductible donation, we can show children, like Molly, living with diabetes that they’re not the only 1. 

$25 can help to facilitate DiaBuddies online parent and carer sessions. 

$75 can fund targeted events to connect children living with diabetes, their parents and carers to support and education. 

$150 can help to fund larger youth programs to support children living with diabetes and the wider community. 

“Your generosity is bringing smiles and normality back to lives that have been turned upside down and reminds all of us that we can survive each and every obstacle because we have the support of a fabulous network of people behind us.” ~ Kirsty, Molly’s mum