Receiving a Bag of Hope: What It Meant to Us After a T1D Diagnosis
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!
