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Florida Diabetes Camp
Promotes Health and Wellness

The Terrell Family

When Tony and Kimberly Terrell took their 15-month old son, TJ, to the emergency room due to constant illness, they weren’t prepared for what they would be told. After four days of intensive care and several tests, the Terrell’s learned that TJ had Type 1 diabetes.

"It was a shock," Kim said. "It was hard having a child that age who couldn’t tell us anything."

Luckily, the doctors were supportive and explained to the Terrell’s what they could expect and what they needed to do to help TJ deal with his diabetes. Once the Terrell’s moved from Nashville, Tennessee to Gainesville last year, they received information about the Florida Diabetes Camp through the physicians and nurses from Shands at the University of Florida.

Tony, Kimberly and TJ, now 2, attended their first Florida Diabetes Camp Family Weekend in March. The Terrell’s had a chance to talk to other parents whose children also had diabetes.

"I learned that we should focus on a balanced life," Kim said. "I learned from other mothers that a routine helps and that many things become second nature. I’m able to prepare meals quickly and easily. It’s something you have to deal with."

Tony had a chance to talk to many fathers and learn how to avoid common mistakes and problems.

"You have to take the time and be involved," Tony said. "There are some fathers who weren’t as involved at one point. They needed to work things out and once they participated it made a big difference to the family relationship. Some of the fathers have come to the camp for seven years, and they keep telling others of their experiences. So you know the Florida Diabetes Camp is working."

Listening to other parents who have come to the Florida Diabetes Camp Family Weekend also gave the Terrell’s a chance to know what to do if TJ were to have a problem in the middle of the night.

"It was a good chance to talk to others experiencing the same thing," Kim said. "Some had children that had seizures. We haven’t had that happen but it helps you prepare."

Not only did the Terrell’s have a chance to learn, they also had the opportunity to spend time together while the physicians and camp counselors were looking after TJ.

"It’s a getaway for us," Kim said. "We know that our child can run around and he’s okay. So we can have time together."

While at camp, the Terrell’s met other families in Gainesville living with diabetes, and they now have a support group and friends to bond with and spend time together.

"I want to take from here that there is someone else that can watch our son, so we can do things," Tony said. "We are new to the area and have to focus on finding friends that we are comfortable with and who know how to deal with it."

Kim added, "It’s a relief."

Finding friends who share similar experiences and spending time together are only a few of the many benefits of attending the Florida Diabetes Camp Family Weekend.

"The best part about this is that people introduce themselves," Tony said. "They’re coming up to you. They’ve walked our path, and they’ve told their situations. The camp has a meaning behind it."