In 2010, a small group of parents in the Fall River area got together to discuss the possibilities of starting an organization to provide youth and parent support for children and teens living with Type I and Type II diabetes. Understanding the need for peer support and education, they, along with the help of their good friend, Bill DaPonte, formed the Diabetes Youth Organization of Southern New England (DYO), a not-for-profit organization, who offer support, programming and education throughout Southeastern New England. Not affiliated with any national or local diabetes organization, the DYO's mission is to help children, teens, and their families who struggle with the everyday ups and downs of Type I or Type II Diabetes. The organization currently runs two groups: YAPS (Youth and Parent Support) for children to age 12, and a Teen Group for teens aged 13 to 19. The YAPS group meets every third Saturday of the month at the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium on Bank Street in Fall River and at other locations around Southern New England. The Teen group meets for movies, Lazer Gate and bowling and other activities. The group has also hosted Halloween and Christmas parties and has many upcoming events in the works. Anyone with an interest in joining one of the groups or who would simply like more information about the DYO should contact president Kevin DeMello at 508-889-4369 or visit the Facebook page or the website at www.Diabetesyouth.org.

(Top row) Parent and DYO President Kevin DeMello talks with several of the children who are living with Type I diabetes and the challenges that it brings. (Middle row) Jesley Teixeira shares some of her experiences. (Bottom row, center) Member George Phipps and his daughter, Grace, talk about some of the issues that they deal with on a daily basis.