Since 1985, the PADRE Foundation has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and families affected by Type 1 diabetes.

Mission Statement

At PADRE, our mission is to empower, educate, and inspire individuals and families affected by Type 1 diabetes (T1d). We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where everyone impacted by T1d can find the resources, guidance, and connections they need to thrive. Our organization is committed to:

Educate:

We believe that knowledge is the key to managing T1d. Our organization is dedicated to offering comprehensive, up-to-date educational resources that help individuals and their support networks better understand T1d, its management, and the latest advancements in treatment and technology. By promoting education, we aim to foster informed decision-making and promote a culture of self-care.

Community:

We recognize the importance of a strong and compassionate community in navigating the challenges of T1d. Our organization serves as a safe and welcoming space where individuals and families can connect, share experiences, and find emotional support. We organize events, support groups, and online platforms that foster a sense of belonging, reducing the isolation often associated with T1d.

Advocacy:

Beyond individual support, we are dedicated to advocating for the needs and rights of those living with T1d. By raising awareness and collaborating with healthcare professionals, we work to improve access to care, affordability of treatments and opportunities for advancements in T1d research.

Located on the CHOC (Children’s Health Orange County) campus, PADRE offers regional support to families throughout Southern California. We provide free educational classes and events that deliver essential information and help restore a sense of normalcy for those affected by Type 1 diabetes. Families frequently report that PADRE’s support is vital to their emotional well‑being and helps build a strong, supportive community.

Diabetes Education and Support

Our programs help many low-income and vulnerable children who live with the very challenging disease of Type 1 diabetes. PADRE provides over 100 classes and support groups to approximately 1,700 children and their parents and siblings, providing the much-needed diabetes self-care education that goes beyond what is provided at initial diagnosis. Our programs are 100% funded through philanthropy; there is no insurance or government reimbursement.

On a monthly basis, PADRE offers specialized classes such as our Caregiver’s Class, Carbohydrate Counting Class and Pump Basics Class, which all assist in managing Type 1 diabetes. Many of our classes are taught in Spanish, which enables us to address the needs of those Spanish-speaking families with Type 1 diabetes. Classes serve children and adolescents throughout Orange County along with other Southern California counties. They are taught by the Diabetes team from CHOC and include Certified Diabetes Educators and Registered Dieticians, as well as physicians and psychologists. All classes are provided at no cost as more than half of those we serve are low-income.

In addition, the PADRE Foundation hosts numerous fun activities for children and families. Some psychosocial events we have hosted in the past are Annual Fashion Show, Teen Night Out, Harvest Carnival, Holiday Party, T1d & Teddy’s, Family night at Angles Stadium, and much more.

The purpose of these activities is to enable children, and teens, to have a sense of normalcy. It allows them to be side by side with peers during their journey living with Type 1 diabetes. They are able to connect on topics that others may not understand like checking their blood sugar, taking shots, measuring food, and even using an insulin pump. Acceptance of their disease, along with establishing a routine, is necessary to prevent the numerous complications a child living with diabetes can face.