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Nick and Jesse, two American teenagers, established AYUDA (American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad) in 1996. Jesse and Nick witnessed firsthand the hardships associated with diabetes when the son of a family friend, who suffered from the disease came to stay at Jesse’s house. After he received treatment he returned home and became very ill again due to the lack of medi-cal support in his community. When he returned for his second stay, he was close to death. Jesse and Nick decided something had to be done. They created AYUDA to address the needs of children suffering with this controllable disease. Today, AYUDA, a 501(c)3 registered charitable organization, raises awareness and promotes diabetes treatment and education in communities throughout the Americas.

By using youth as agents for change they create and strengthen self-sustaining diabetes organizations. They empower youth with diabetes to develop and lead educational, medical, recreational, and advocacy programs; increase international awareness of diabetes; and work with communities and families to fight the stigma associated with the condition. Many children’s lives have been saved due to Nick and Jesse’s Campo Amigo, where children learn to give themselves injec-tions and receive free medical help. Various members of the com-munity are brought together for these camps in an effort to decrease the stigma associated with diabetes that keeps so many parents from actively seeking help for their child’s disease.

the IDeA

• Create a support group for children with diabetes in Ecuador and other parts of Latin America.• A youth-led education and advocacy program.

IMPACt

• Provided over $2 million in donated diabetes supplies and professional medical services to Ecuador.• Established a national diabetes camping program, Campo Amigo Ecuador, serving over 600 youth.• Brought together over 15 Countries to

Youth Venture

“JUNTOS SOMOS MAS FUERTES”

(Together We are Strong)

Jesse and nick’s Venture - aYuda