When Megan Hoffmann’s son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 7 years old, she knew she wanted to do more than help control the disease. She wanted to show her son and others with diabetes all the wonderful things they could do. Hockey became the focus of this effort, as her son, now 15, plays the sport. Three years ago, Hoffmann and her husband, Geoff, started the nonprofit Type 1 Timer Hockey camp at Hertz Arena in Estero.
“We wanted to create a camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes,” Hoffmann said. “Type 1 is rare, so typically, they are the only kid on their hockey team with Type 1, and often the only kid in their school with Type 1. When they are on a team with 60 kids that all have Type 1, it is a very powerful thing. It is not just what happens on the ice but the relationships they develop off the ice.”
The coaching staff of the Florida Everblades hockey team will teach campers skills on the ice. Nurses, nutritionists, mental health experts, exercise experts, and sports psychologists will hold workshops to help the children and their parents learn more about managing and living with diabetes. There also is a program that focuses on navigating school accommodations. Kevin Delaney, who runs a hockey school for deaf students in Chicago, will help organize team-building activities.
“It is teaching kids that ... they can still play hockey and get over the hurdle [of diabetes] and not let it stop them. [The camp] empowers the kids and allows them to be with other kids like themselves. It is great for the parents to talk among themselves and share experiences.”
This is the third year of this camp, and Delaney is excited to be part of it once again. “I love the game, and I love teaching the game,” he said. “It is just a positive, enjoyable experience.”
The Only Camp of its Kind
Type 1 Timer Hockey is the only hockey camp in the United States specifically for children with Type 1 diabetes. Last year, NHL player Luke Kunin of the San Jose Sharks, who has Type 1 diabetes, spoke with campers, inspiring them by showing how the disease doesn’t have to stop them from living their dreams. Hoffmann hopes he will speak again this year.
When the camp began in 2022, there were 30 participants. In 2023, that number doubled to 60. Hoffmann expects at least 60 kids again this year. “The more, the merrier,” she said. We have the medical team's support, so we can do it.”
Hoffmann said there is one nurse for every 6-8 kids at camp. She said that ratio is important to ensure all campers are safe and able to manage their levels while exercising most of the day.
The young hockey players come from all over the country. Typically only two or three campers are local, according to Hoffmann. Most of the families stay while the kids are in camp, so organizers host events such as an evening on the Naples Princess and barbecues for the whole family.
“It is a nice time for the kids to just bond and be together,” Hoffmann said. “The more awareness we can create for these kids, the better.”
Hoffmann says becoming active in helping children and families living with Type 1 diabetes was the best way to embrace her son’s life with the disease.
“We love it,” Hoffmann said. “It is our passion project. “Diabetes and hockey are unique communities, and we merged our two communities together, and we are making a great impact on their lives. We want to make a difference. We are thrilled to do it.”
The Hoffmann Family of Companies owns the Florida Everblades, Southwest Florida’s professional hockey team, and supports Type 1 diabetes research.
All Hoffmann Family business, including the Hertz Arena, Naples Transportation & Tours, Naples Princess and others, donate their goods and services to Type 1 Timer in support of the diabetes and hockey communities.
For more information about Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp, visit www.T1Hockey.com.
WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to naturally regulate the body’s blood sugar, leaving diagnosed individuals with a lifelong dependency on costly medical insulin.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF PLAYING SPORTS WITH T1D?
Anyone living with T1D can exercise and play sports, but they must take extra steps to ensure they do it safely. Exercise and sports can affect blood sugar by causing glucose levels to rise (hyperglycemia) or drop (hypoglycemia). High blood sugar levels can affect your body and lead to issues like dehydration and fatigue. With new technology, such as a wearable device called a continuous glucose monitor, it is easier to monitor glucose levels while playing sports. These devices allow others (family members, friends, or coaches) to monitor a diabetic athlete’s glucose levels via an app on their personal device. Some athletes work with their doctors to set target glucose levels using a detailed management plan to prevent them from going too low or too high. Another challenge for T1D children playing sports is the expense of insulin and monitoring devices. T1D is such an expensive and time-consuming disease that the extra cost of extracurricular activities is not affordable for families.
WHY ARE SPECIALIZED CAMPS IMPORTANT?
Diabetes camps are important because they help teach children with diabetes the skills they need to manage their disease. These camps ensure that the children are in a medically safe environment and can connect them with new friends who live with diabetes.
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR PARENTS OF T1D CHILDREN WHO PLAY SPORTS?
Ensure the coaches and teammates know about Type 1 diabetes and the symptoms of low or high glucose levels. Bring extra snacks and drinks to treat low glucose levels, extra water, and sports drinks to avoid dehydration, and teach others around your child how to check their glucose levels if needed. Exercising and playing sports can help control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease and nerve damage. For a list of camps serving children with diabetes, visit the Diabetes Education and Camping Association at www.diabetescamps.org.
Answers provided by Tami Balavage, president and co-founder of Help A Diabetic Child, an organization that supports underserved children and young adults in Southwest Florida who have Type 1 diabetes and cannot afford lifesaving insulin, diabetes medical supplies, and medical services. For more information, go to helpadiabeticchild.org.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
Neapolitan Family Summer Camp Directory
Neapolitan Family 2024 Summer Camp Guide
Local Summer Camps for Children with Special Needs
ARTICLES ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES
Collier Teens Living Well With Diabetes: Cami Lange
Living With Diabetes During the Holidays: Leah Shwedel