Tiny-sized toys for dolls, stuffed animals give kids with type 1 a “diabetes buddy” and a much-needed holiday gift
Hollywood, FL – (November 30, 2012) – Children with type 1 diabetes are no different than other kids. They turn dolls, stuffed animals and robots into “mini me” to have a close friend and confidante nearby. Now, diabetes supply company, Pump Wear Inc., is enriching their experience with an expanding line of miniaturized diabetes supplies made especially for children’s toys. The company makes fun and creative paks, clothing and other items to hold insulin pumps.
Since its founding, Pump Wear Inc.’s values have centered on philanthropy and it is a long time supporter of the Diabetes Research Institute. This holiday season, the company is donating $1.00 from the sale of each item within the “Just Like Me” line to the Diabetes Research Institute to help supports its research that is solely focused on curing the disease.
Pump Wear Inc. President and Co-Founder Julie DeFruscio, who has three children with type 1 diabetes, the oldest of whom was the inspiration for the business, said, “We have always been big supporters of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and are looking forward to raising more awareness and funds for the cure through this amazing program.” Among the items in the “Just Like Me” line that mimic the diabetes management tools that children use every day are insulin pumps and blood glucose monitors – and even toy stuffed bears complete with a make-believe insulin pump already attached.
The miniaturized diabetes supply line is getting rave reviews from parents. Tom Karlya, vice president of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and a father of two children with type 1 diabetes says, “I remember when my daughter was diagnosed at the age of two. To the best that she could, she made almost every one of her dolls and stuffed animals have diabetes. Pump Wear’s program is a great way for children to go through their daily lives with a buddy who also has diabetes.”
Giving a child with type 1 diabetes the toy supplies also also psychological and educational benefits.
Girls’ and boys’ toy insulin pumps in Pump Wear Inc.’s “Just Like Me” line of mini diabetes supplies.
“Allowing children to play with diabetes supplies helps them learn new concepts in an engaging and non-threatening manner. Children learn best when they can interact with and explore new technology. The ‘Just Like Me’ products help children become familiar with diabetes tasks and will help them feel less alone or isolated”, said Jill Weissberg-Benchell, Ph.D., CDE, Associate Professor of Psychiatry Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
All the diabetes toys are available on line on the Pump Wear inc. website at www.pumpwearinc.com at the Just Like Me Toys button on the home page.
The Diabetes Research Institute leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to shrink the timeline toward the discovery of a biological cure for this disease. Having already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, the DRI is building upon these promising outcomes by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies. The Diabetes Research Institute was created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. For the millions of people affected by diabetes, the DRI is the best hope for a cure. For additional information, visit DiabetesResearch.org.
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Contact: Lori Weintraub, APR
954-954-4040
Lweintraub@drif.org