When your child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, everything changes in a moment. It’s overwhelming, emotional, and often isolating. But then, in the middle of all the confusion, someone hands you something small—but powerful: a Bag of Hope.
If you’ve been there, you know exactly what we mean. If you’re newly diagnosed and wondering what this bag is all about—keep reading.
**Continue below if you or your child is ages 12-17 or an adult to request a bag appropriate for your age group.**
🎁 What Is the Bag of Hope?
The Breakthrough T1D Bag of Hope is a free care package given to families of children newly diagnosed with T1D. Inside, you’ll find not just helpful tools—but also a message: You’re not alone.
🧸 What’s Inside?
While contents may vary slightly by location, most Bag of Hope kits include:
- 🐻 Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes
A plush bear with patches for injection and sensor sites—helping kids learn about diabetes in a gentle, hands-on way. - 📘 Books for Kids and Parents
Including titles like “Rufus Comes Home” and other T1D guides to help families understand and explain diabetes. - ✍️ Helpful Resources
Information on insulin, carb counting, school accommodations (like 504 plans), and support networks. - 💬 A Personal Connection
Many families are contacted by a Breakthrough T1D volunteer (often another T1D parent) who offers support, shares their story, and answers questions.
💙 Why It Matters
The Bag of Hope isn’t just a bag—it’s a symbol of community, comfort, and understanding. For many parents, Rufus becomes the first “friend” who understands what their child is going through. For kids, it helps make a scary new routine feel more manageable.
My son loved becoming the “doctor” for Rufus and practiced giving him shots of insulin while we were at the hospital. My then 7 year old son became less scared as his bear became the patient. Watch his video on our YouTube page.
There is also a Rufus app you can get on your device- Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes that enables children to gain hands-on experience with diabetes management through play.
It’s also a lifeline—a reminder that others have walked this path and are here to help you through it.
🧭 How to Get One
If your child was recently diagnosed with T1D and you haven’t received a Bag of Hope yet, you can request one through the Breakthrough T1D website:
🔗 Request a T1D Bag of Hope (free for newly diagnosed children under 11 in the U.S.)
🔗 Request a T1D Teen Pack (free for newly diagnosed ages 12-17 in the U.S.)
🔗 Request a T1D Adult Pack (free for newly diagnosed over the age of 18 in the U.S.)
🙌 You’re Not Alone
Whether you’ve just received your bag or are years into the journey, the message stays the same: You are not doing this alone. There’s an entire T1D community ready to support, listen, and walk beside you every step of the way.
If you or your child received a Bag of Hope, we’d love to hear what it meant to you. 💬 Share your story below!
