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Samantha Merwin

PRESIDENT

I'm Samantha (Sam).  My son Saige (Elbowbumpkid) was diagnosed with T1D when he was 17 months old. Since then, our family has been fundraising and raising awareness about Type 1 Diabetes, and celebrated 10 years thriving with Type 1 in July 2018. We also love traveling to explore new places, running races together and binge watching Netflix.

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Our family has always been active in the diabetes community. Since 2008 we have fundraised over $100,000 for various T1D nonprofits. I also love planning social events to connect the the Type 1 community and support the nonprofits that help these kids thrive with T1D.

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Saige Merwin

MEMBER

I'm Saige Merwin, aka the Elbowbumpkid. I was diagnosed with T1D at 17 months old and have been managing it in conjunction with my busy life since. My family has devoted a lot of time over the years to volunteer work for T1D and while I was excited in 2019 to have a nonprofit named after me, I'm even more excited to join the Executive Board and help. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to experience so many T1D programs thanks to our community and look forward to many more years of connecting with my peers. 

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I like working with computers, skiing, skateboarding, and I play tennis on my high school team. 

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I'm proud to be the #elbowbumpkid!

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Kaylyn Nelson

SECRETARY

Hi! I'm Kaylyn, mama to two sweet kiddos (Audrey and Caroline) from central CT. My daughter, Audrey, was diagnosed Type 1 in 2022 when she was 9 years old. We were fortunate to find Elbowbumpkid pretty shortly after her diagnosis. Audrey loves attending events and hanging out with other kids who ride the Type 1 rollercoaster. We have found the community and connection that Elbowbumpkid provides to be so beneficial for our whole family.

 

I'm passionate about learning more about all aspects of T1D and helping T1s and their families thrive, as well as sharing what I learn with anyone willing to listen. I'm looking forward to being able to aid future EBK families in every way I can!

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Kathleen Brown

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I have two kids: my son Connor recently graduated with his MBA and lives in Salem, MA; and my son Russell who is a Senior in high school. Russell was diagnosed with T1D in August 2007 at the age of 3. Russell is an active teen, playing soccer, basketball and golf in high school - he doesn't let T1D slow him down. The first real connections I made with people also living with T1D were through the message boards of the Children With Diabetes website (social media wasn't really a thing at that time!). I was thrilled to attend our first Friends For Life conference in 2014. We have attended each year since then - learning from the best researchers, educators and other families. The friendships we have created are truly Friends For Life. I love being a part of Elbowbumpkid Inc and supporting families living with T1D.

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Liat Kochavi

MEMBER

Hi, I'm Liat Kochavi. On July 16, 2021, my then 6-year-old son Idan was diagnosed with T1D. Finding a community for him as well as for myself was high on my priority list from the start. We joined many activities that Elbowbumpkid put together and I have found the support system I truly needed. 
 

I l look forward to creating many events to help families find their community and their support system while letting their kids find their people!
 

I look forward to seeing you at a some of these events.

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Lisa DeGroff

MEMBER

I'm Lisa, my son Josh was diagnosed in DKA with T1D when he was 13 years old on 6/22/2015, he is now 19 and our family has been living with T1D for 6 years. Josh will be a sophomore at CCSU. I live in Kensington with my husband David, and sons Tom who is 26, Rob who is 24 and our Golden Retriever Cooper who is 4.

 

I have been a Pre-K 4/5 teacher in Kensington for 15 years and also enjoy quilting, jewelry making, reading and serving my church family at Kensington Congregational. I am also a volunteer for the MS Society.

I have been an outreach volunteer for JDRF for 5 years. Josh and I, along with Dr. Dunbar, have done a PSA for CCMC, and Josh has been very involved in the #neverstopgrowing campaign for CCMC. I am so looking forward to serving on the #Elbowbumpkid board. I am very excited to help make this T1D journey and all it entails easier for families.

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