My diabetes story

The fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp (YLC). Lots of best friends, unforgettable memories, loyal hearts, blossoming faces and only one reason: DIABETES.

We started the day with the session “How to work with partners”. This session gave us insight from industry, diabetes association, and patient organizations on issues such as partnerships between industry and NGOs and collaboration between diabetes national organizations and IDF Europe.

Next on our agenda was the summary of “the situation of diabetes treatment in Europe”. We filled a form about the diabetes situation in our country and later we were discussing the results.

The last 4 inspirational presentations were from Ametkhan from Uzbekistan, Valia from Greece, Giuliano from Italy and Ines from Portugal. Each story inspired, highlighted different aspects of living with or being affected by diabetes.

Adding more physical activity to your day is one of the most important things you can do to help manage your diabetes and improve your health. On the fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp, we were playing football (it was my first time playing football) 🙂 and later, we enjoyed an aerobic class led by Valia.

Our last night

On the last evening, we organized a closing ceremony where each of us was performing something. We were singing, dancing traditional dances and performing some interesting tasks. Furthermore, we projected a short video with some of the best moments of the camp. Later, the members of IDF Europe gave us certificates for participation in the camp. Last, but not least, the organizers had a surprise for all of us. They let us make a barbecue outside of the hotel and they arranged a DJ who made the best party for us.

My final thoughts

This camp was the most wonderful experience of my life because it gave me a chance to meet many interesting and inspiring people from across Europe. No matter how hard sometimes it may be, these people help me realize that I am not the only person with diabetes in the world. Diabetes is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. But it’s our choice to scream or enjoy the ride.

And guys remember.  Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end. Goodbye simply means I will miss you until we meet again. <3 Take care guys and keep fighting until the cure is found. 🙂

With the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp, new strength and new thoughts came.

The agenda for the fourth day

We started this day with the session about social media and communications. We were discussing social media channels and their characteristics. Moreover, we discussed the steps that we have to take for setting up campaigns and increasing engagement on social media. Later the trainers divided us into groups and we had to plan a social media campaign.

Next, we had a presentation skills session on which we were focused on verbal and nonverbal communication. After that, we practiced our communication skills through role plays. Each of us had to tell our story about our experience with diabetes.

Next on our agenda was the “Introduction to design thinking” session. We learned that design is defined as the intent behind an outcome. It’s a framework for teaming and action, which helps the teams to deliver outcomes that advance the state of the art and improve the lives of the people they serve.

Diabetes success stories are a great source of inspiration and support. This day we heard success stories of Louise, Anna, Martina and Marusha, who don’t let diabetes slow them down in achieving their dreams and goals.

The “taboo box”

At the beginning of the week, our trainers created a “taboo box”. Each of us wrote down and put anonymous questions. and during the session “living with diabetes and taboo forum” we were discussing them. We were talking about diabetes in the workplace, diabetes and sexual performance, diabetes, and pregnancy, diabetes, and alcohol as well as the pros and cons of using insulin pumps. Although this was the longest session and we didn’t have time to answer all the questions, in my opinion, this was the most interesting session.

And of course, I can’t forget the regular physical activities. At noon, we had the freedom to chose whether to play tennis, table tennis, or relax in the swimming pool. While, during the afternoon, we enjoyed the long walk around Srby. We had a lot of fun and of course, we took a lot of pictures.

And that is how was our forth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

To start, the third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp brought a new experience to us. We had an excursion in Prague – the capital of the Czech Republic and the heart of Europe too.

But first, we had an interactive workshop about Project Management. Next, we had a brief introduction to project management concepts, tools, and techniques. We were divided into groups to apply our newly gained knowledge to create our own project plan. My team had to plan an advocacy activity for World Diabetes Day. Our idea was to organize an open parliament for people with diabetes. We thought that on this parliament children, youth, adults, elderly people, and politicians should be invited. The aim of this parliament is to give a voice to every person living with diabetes.

Later, after the workshop, 4 new interesting presentations followed by Despina from Cyprus, Karolina from Poland, Christian from Russia and Zarina from Russia. Each of them had different, but inspirational stories that were worth to hear.

Exploring Prague on the third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

Founded 12 centuries ago, Prague is a very old city. Its historical architecture provides an interesting insight into history. Without a doubt, wandering through the Old Town with its narrow streets of cobblestone seems to take you right back in time. The charming historical center and the castle area connected by the renowned Charles Bridge is one of the most beautiful places in Prague. In fact, both the castle and the bridge have earned the city the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Last, but not least, we had to think of an extraordinary flash mob to do while in Prague. In addition, I highly recommend you to watch the video below to see the result. 🙂

Finally, we enjoyed two hours of a river cruise. In my opinion, this is one of the most delightful ways to see the historical center of Prague.