top of page

NEWS

Bret Michaels works with EASE T1D to Raise Awareness

EASE T1D and Bret Michaels to Appear at Senate Hearing

March 27, 2019

Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) introduced legislation in the California State Senate to expand the diabetes education in schools to include Type 1 diabetes. This bill would require the governing board of a school district and the governing body of a charter school to work with their schools that maintain any of kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to identify the most appropriate methods of informing parents and guardians of pupils of type 1 diabetes and to implement the identified methods by January 1, 2021. By imposing additional requirements on school districts and charter schools, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. To read the full text of the bill, please visit SB 138 on the legislature page.

EASE T1D Bret Michaels Senator Roth Bill 138
EASE T1D Bret Michaels Senator Roth Bill 138

UPDATE on Senate Bill 138

March 27, 2019

Senate Bill 138 pass unanimously 7-0 in the Senate Education Committee! We are thrilled to say the least. Now it moves forward to the next step. Watch history being made...

EASE T1D Senator Richard Roth
 

For Immediate Release

Contact: Therresa Austin

September 2, 2021

(916) 651-4031

 

Therresa.Austin@sen.ca.gov

 

Senator Roth and Type 1 Diabetes Advocates Celebrate SB 97’s Advancement to the Governor’s Desk

 

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) presented Senate Bill (SB) 97 related to Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) parental notification before his colleagues on the Senate Floor. The bill earned unanimous support on concurrence, soaring through the final stage before the bill is sent to the Governor’s desk.

 

Senator Roth shared: “SB 97’s journey to the Governor’s desk has been fueled by the stories and experiences of families who live with Type 1 Diabetes every single day. This bill empowers parents and guardians across California to make more informed decisions about their children’s health. Early detection and diagnosis gives children and their families a chance to live long, healthy, and happy lives together. It is only right that our schools take an active role in sharing the information that will empower them to do so.”

 

Debbie George, whose son’s story is the inspiration behind SB 97 and the organization, EASE T1D shared: “We are extremely grateful for the passing of Senate Bill 97. On behalf of EASE T1D, I'd like to thank Senator Richard Roth for authoring this important piece of legislation as well as the California State Legislature for seeing the importance of the Type 1 Diabetes Parent Notification. Not only will this legislation bring a better understanding of this autoimmune disease and help end misconceptions, but it will help save lives by educating parents/guardians on the onset symptoms which can be mistaken for other illnesses. We urge Governor Newsom to sign this bill into law to help educate the public, raise awareness, and save lives!”

 

Senator Roth continued: I couldn’t be happier to see this bill off to the Governor’s desk and want to express my deep gratitude to the T1D advocates and heroes who have championed this effort along the way! For the thousands of children diagnosed with T1D in California, this bill makes a difference. I am proud to stand by them and finally bring this effort across the finish line!”

 

# # #

 

Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris, and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General. More information about Senator Roth can be found at https://sd31.senate.ca.gov/

 

 

 

Therresa K. Austin | Press and Legislative Aide

Office of Senator Richard D. Roth | 31st Senate District

State Capitol, Room 2080, Sacramento, CA 95814

Office: (916) 651-4031 | Fax: (916) 651-4931

Therresa.Austin@sen.ca.gov

Debbie George founder EASE T1D

Statement from Debbie George, Founder of Ease T1d, Regarding SB 138 (SR 63)

 

8/30/19

 

"On behalf of EASE T1D, Type 1 Diabetes Awareness, we are deeply shocked and saddened by the outcome of Senate Bill 138 (SR 63). 

 

It is hard to fathom how a bill could pass with all Ayes in four committees as well as the Senate Floor, but not pass the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  We understand the bill has costs associated with the implementation, but how do you put a cost on saving a life?  This outcome now drives us even harder to persevere in educating the public not just in California but Nationwide. 

 

We would like to thank Senator Roth and Bret Michaels for their time, support, and advocacy efforts.  We feel very grateful to have had this opportunity to work together on this life-saving initiative and will continue our efforts in getting it passed next year. This is NOT the end."

 

Debbie George

Founder,

EASE T1D

www.easet1d.org

EASE T1D Senator Richard Roth

Press Release March 14, 2016

Senator Roth’s Measure to Raise Awareness of Type 1 Diabetes Approved by State Senate

Senate Resolution 63 encourages health care practitioners with children under their care to discuss the warning signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes with parents.

Senator Richard D. Roth’s (D-Riverside) measure to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes passed the State Senate today on a bipartisan, unanimous vote of 38-0. “I am proud to have authored Senate Resolution 63 and thank my colleagues in the State Senate for joining me in raising awareness of this life threatening disease,” said Senator Roth. “Educating parents regarding Type 1 diabetes is critical to diagnosing and treating this condition early and effectively, helping ensure children and adolescents learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.” Despite common misconceptions, diet and lifestyle are not causes of Type 1 diabetes and it cannot be prevented. It is a chronic, life-threatening autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure. SR 63 encourages health care practitioners with children under their care to discuss the warning signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes with the parents or guardians of each child at least once annually at well-child care visits from birth to 5 years of age.

SR 63 has received strong support from Education, Awareness, Support and Empowerment (EASE) T1D, an organization founded by mothers Debbie George, and Michelle Thornburg, all of whom have children with Type 1 diabetes. EASE T1D, which is sponsored by the nonprofit Institute for Education, Research and Scholarships (IFERS), a 501(c)(3), advocates educating parents on the signs and symptoms of T1D at all well baby/child care visits in an effort to prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition.

The 31st State Senate District includes portions of Riverside County including the communities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Perris, Corona, Norco, Eastvale and Jurupa Valley.

EASE T1D Senator Richard Roth
EASE T1D Senator Jeff Stone
California State Senator
Jeff Stone
California's 28th Senate District

Press Release October 10, 2017

EASE T1D and California Senator Jeff Stone to Bring More Awareness into the Schools

We are currently working with California Senator, Jeff Stone, who will be bringing forth two bills on Type 1 Diabetes education to be on the 2018 docket.  One on a Type 1 Diabetes Education Code which will be given to all incoming 7th grade students in their Registration Packets.  The other is on curriculum to be taught either through Health/Science classes in both 7th and 9th grade.  We are hopeful for what the future brings in raising awareness and education on Type 1 Diabetes.

EASE T1D Senator Jeff Stone

Press Release October 4, 2017

EASE T1D Receives Diabetes Awareness Proclamation

EASE T1D was presented with a Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Proclamation at the Corona City Council Meeting, Wednesday, October 4th, 2017 by Mayor Dick Haley.  Mayor Haley declared November as National Diabetes Awareness Month and encourages Corona residents to help improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes by increasing awareness and educating Corona residents of the risk factors for diabetes and by providing support to those living with diabetes.  We appreciate the support of our community!

EASE T1D Corona Mayor Dick Haley

Press Release November 13, 2017

Students at Corona's Santiago High living, thriving with

Type 1 Diabetes

EASE T1D Santiago High School

Cool Kid of the Week

Thursday, January 18, 2018

ABC 7 in Los Angeles, CA spotlights Sierra Thornburg as the "Cool Kid Of The Week!" 

EASE T1D insulin nation

March 9, 2018

Should Type 1 Diabetes Be in Public School Curricula?

Two D-moms want students to learn about the autoimmune condition in health and science classes.

Debbie George EASE T1D Founder

Raising Awareness on Type 1 Diabetes

Written by Debbie George | September 10, 2018

When Corona Firefighter Eric Estes had his blood drawn for his job last year he was surprised to see his

fasting blood sugar level come back at 293. Although Eric had noticed symptoms of Diabetes he didn’t

give it much thought. After all, he’s always helping others and didn’t think that he might be the one in

need of help.

When Eric received his result he immediately took out his medic box to check his blood glucose level,

the meter read “High.” Eric went to the ER and was given fluids, 2 units of Insulin, and a prescription for

oral medication. He was told he had “Type 2 Diabetes.” Eric was then told to go see his primary doctor

which he did. Eric’s primary doctor gave him long acting Insulin and also confirmed he had Type 2

Diabetes.

After a week of continued high blood sugar levels and spikes after meals, Eric being a Paramedic, knew

he had Type 1 Diabetes, he diagnosed himself! Once Eric went on fast acting Insulin his bg levels

dropped and he now has an A1C of 5.2! Awesome job Eric!

This is just one of many stories we hear about of being misdiagnosed simply because you’re an adult!

We MUST change the public’s perception of Type 1 Diabetes being a childhood disease. So much

AWARENESS and EDUCATION is needed. This is why we at EASE T1D get out in our community and

inform people that Diabetes is NOT a single disease!

We thank Eric for sharing his story with us and for helping us raise awareness to T1D! Please share his

story and help us raise awareness.

 

*Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic life-threatening autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas

produces little to no Insulin. It can be diagnosed at any age but is usually diagnosed from infancy to the

late thirties and lasts a lifetime. Type 1 Diabetes has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, is not

preventable, not reversible, requires insulin dependency, and has no cure at this time.

EASE Type 1 Diabetes: D-Moms Advocate to Avoid Misdiagnosis

Written by Mike Hoskins | Published on December 1, 2015

Misdiagnosis is a big issue with type 1 diabetes, as it's often overlooked or taken for some other minor ailment before the ugly consequences of that mistake take hold. That's why it's good to see a new grassroots non-profit formed to raise awareness about just this issue: a group calling itself EASE T1D.

The name is an acronym for Education, Awareness, Support and Empowerment, and this California-based non-profit is the joint effort of three moms of kids with type 1: Debbie George, and Michelle Thornburg. The duo says they recognized "areas of significant need" in D-awareness and joined forces to apply their knowledge and passion in an effort to “EASE” T1D.

They've created what appears to be a leading model for local community action -- just digging in and getting things done right where they live.

We talked to one of the founding D-Moms, Debbie George, recently about what this group is all about and how it differs from the many other awareness-raising groups already on the scene:

 

An Interview with Ease T1D Diabetes Awareness Group;

DM) Debbie, can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and the D-Moms who formed this group?

DG) All three of us have children who were placed in real danger by being misdiagnosed. My son Dylan was diagnosed when he was 25 months old. He was misdiagnosed twice resulting in collapsed veins from dehydration, a BG of 538 and a four-day hospital stay. This is why raising awareness to the signs and symptoms is so important to me! Dylan is now almost 14 and is thriving. He is a smart (straight-A student) funny, athletic kid who loves to play baseball and snowboard. He enjoys doing just about anything outdoors; T1D won’t slow him down. He is my superhero!

Michelle’s daughter Sierra is force of nature. She is athletic, smart and has more energy than most of us. She has no fear and lets nothing stop her from achieving her goals. Sierra was diagnosed T1D at the age of 15 months old and then three years later she was also diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Despite her medical challenges, Sierra continues to educate newly diagnosed T1D’s as well as school staff and parents. She wants to go to college on a volleyball and academic scholarship, start rock climbing, ride horses and advocate for all T1Ds. Sierra is just 11 years old but you will undoubtedly see more of this T1D hero!

And Robyn’s daughter Emma is now 14 years old and was diagnosed with T1D in June of 2010 at the age of 9. She loves dogs and hopes to operate a dog rescue organization one day. She is a straight-A student and is very involved in activities such as Color Guard, Art Club, and volunteering regularly in our community. Her strength and courage managing her diabetes is very inspiring.

What made you decide to start your own non-profit?

EASE T1D is committed to bringing global awareness on type 1 diabetes through educational materials, national ad campaigns and sponsoring kids for diabetes camp, as well as donating funds to find the much-needed cure. Having a non-profit status helps us to raise these funds to achieve our mission.

What have you accomplished so far?

The mission of EASE T1D is to bring:

  • EDUCATION to medical professionals, school staff, and the general public about how to treat and care for children with type 1 diabetes.

  • AWARENESS on the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as support the implementation of legislation on the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes to parents at all well baby/child care visits, in an effort to prevent misdiagnosis.

  • SUPPORT our T1D community through the sharing of resources, family events and personal experiences.

  • EMPOWERMENT to families through support, knowledge, and unity.

We feel there are significant voids in our T1D community that must be met. For example, we need medical professionals and school staff to be better educated on type 1 diabetes in order to care for our children. There also needs to be a better understanding of the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We believe with community involvement, together, we can make change happen!

Have you considered collaborating with other groups working on these identical goals, such as Get Diabetes Right and Beyond Type 1? How do you avoid "re-inventing the wheel?"

Our group of course gains nothing by competing with other T1D organizations. But don't forget that legislation is state-by-state. Our organization exists because we are dedicated to addressing a multitude of issues that others may have no time or interest to pursue. For example, not every individual or organization may feel it plausible or necessary to address their local school officials or medical professionals about T1D screening. We are prepared to have these complicated conversations to provide a better understanding of this misunderstood disease to help ensure the safety of all of our children. 

We're very aware of the very important advocacy efforts of Tom Karlya and Get Diabetes Right, for one. We have communicated with Tom in regard to implementing similar “Reegan’s Rule” legislation in California. Tom has been very helpful and we appreciate his knowledge and insight.

Where are you in getting this diabetes legislation passed in your state?

EASE T1D has begun the legislative process to enact in California, North Carolina’s Reegan’s Rule, which calls for parent education on the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes at well-child care visits from birth to age 5 years, in an effort to prevent misdiagnosis. We are also asking to screen for elevated blood glucose levels when children present flu-like symptoms with a finger stick test. We have met with both California Assemblyman Eric Linder and Senator Richard Roth’s representatives in hopes of having this legislation authored. We have another meeting set with Senator Roth himself on December 16th.

Are you focused only on California, or do you have plans to expand beyond the West Coast?

EASE T1D’s base is in Southern California, however, we are spreading awareness globally through social media.

Beyond the Reegan's Rule work, what's your plan for raising T1D awareness?

We're currently in the process of distributing our recently approved Type 1 Diabetes Awareness flyer to a local school district. Our hope is to get this flyer distributed nationwide through social media.

We've also begun speaking on T1D and how our children need better care at schools at local groups such as UNITY (United Neighbors Involving Today’s Youth) meetings (a Corona, CA-based social action coalition), at Kiwanis Club meetings, and at local PTA Counsel Meetings, which include our School District’s Superintendent as well as school principals and administrators. Our awareness flyer was recently approved to be distributed to all K-6 schools in our Corona/Norco School District in an effort to raise awareness on the signs and symptoms of T1D but also inform people of just what T1D is.

What about your diabetes camp sponsorships?

EASE T1D has personal connections to Camp Conrad Chinook and The Diabetic Youth Families of California (DYF). The camp experience is one we feel children benefit from greatly. As our organization grows, we will expand the number of camps we will sponsor.

You mentioned that you support cure research, too?

EASE T1D does support cure research, in particular the work of Dr. Denise Faustman. However, our main focus as stated in our mission is on awareness and educational materials on T1D. The percentage donated will vary depending upon funds raised.

Many in the diabetes advocacy and patient community have started pushing for a more united advocacy front that does not distinguish the types as much. What do you say about that?

EASE T1D’s focus is on type 1 diabetes awareness.

Still, sometimes the language we use appears to imply those with type 2 are automatically at fault... Can't we do better? 

I'm sure you would agree how crucial it is for the general public to understand the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As you know, type 2 diabetes has many contributing factors and their own share of misconceptions, none of which we perpetuate. Diabetes is not a single disease, as there are varying types which are very different. Type 1 diabetes is on the rise and we believe it deserves recognition. If the distinction between the two is not made, we fear we will see many more blue candles surfacing in our Facebook news feeds and the funds needed to find a cure will be lost. It is difficult to raise money for a disease which is nearly invisible. EASE T1D is a small organization committed to doing big things in our community. Our T1D community is like family and without each others' support, none of this is possible. 

What’s next for EASE T1D?

We are just getting started. We use social media to raise awareness and would eventually like to have a T1D commercial -- that is in the future of course. We also plan to increase our donations to camps, because having the camp experience for your child is like none other and builds bonds with families who experience the same struggles you do daily. As far as donating for a cure, we believe in Dr. Denise Faustman who is in Phase II Clinical Trials for the BCG Vaccine. Please visit our website at www.EASET1D.org for more information.

 

We love your passion, Ladies. Looking forward to seeing how you move forward with EASE T1D.

 

Disclaimer: This content is created for Diabetes Mine, a consumer health blog focused on the diabetes community. The content is not medically reviewed and doesn't adhere to Healthline's editorial guidelines.

Know The Facts: Type 1 Diabetes

Posted on October 29, 2015 by City of Corona

World Diabetes Day is November 14. EASE T1D (Education Awareness Support Empowerment) is hosting a day of fun and awareness that will include a car exhibit by Porsche Club of Riverside, vendors, raffles, henna art tattoos, food, and a Police k-9 demonstration by the City of Corona Police Department.

The event will be held at 4340 Maidstone Circle from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for more information, please visit the EASE T1D website.

EASE T1D is the joint effort of three mothers; Debbie George, Robyn Lopez and Michelle Thornburg, all who have children with type 1 diabetes, who recognize areas of significant need and have joined forces to apply their knowledge and passion in an effort to “EASE” Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) through education, awareness, support and empowerment.

“We feel there are significant voids in our T1D community that must be met. For example, we need medical professionals and school staff to be better educated on Type 1 diabetes in order to care for our children. There also needs to be a better understanding of the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We believe with community involvement, together, we can make change happen!”

EASE T1D has begun the legislative process to enact in California, North Carolina’s Reegan’s Rule, which calls for parent education on the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes at well-child care visits from birth to age 5 years, in an effort to prevent misdiagnosis. We are also asking to screen for elevated blood glucose levels when children present flu-like symptoms with a finger stick test. We have met with both California Assemblyman, Eric Linder and Senator Richard Roth’s representatives in hopes of having this legislation authored.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic life threatening autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas produces little, to no insulin. It can occur at any age, but is usually diagnosed from infancy to the late thirties and lasts a lifetime.

KNOW THE FACTS: TYPE 1 DIABETES:

  • Has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle

  • Is not preventable

  • Is not reversible

  • Has no cure

  • Can occur at any age, including infants

  • Requires insulin dependency for life

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS, IT COULD SAVE A LIFE:

Type 1 Diabetes onset looks similar to the flu virus. Ask your doctor to check for elevated blood glucose levels with a simple finger stick test or a urinalysis if you or your child exhibit the below symptoms:

  • Extreme thirst

  • Frequent urination

  • Drowsiness/lethargy

  • Weight loss

  • Increased appetite

  • Sudden vision changes

  • Fruity scent on breath

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Heavy, labored breathing

  • Stupor/unconsciousness

SEEK IMMEDIATE CARE if multiple symptoms occur, it could be Diabetic Ketoacidosis which can be fatal if not treated.

What's Happening for 2018 Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day

Written by Mike Hoskins | November 1, 2018

Our recent efforts for NDAM are featured in Diabetes Mine on Healthline.com.

 

https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/national-diabetes-awareness-month-2018#1

SB 138
EASE T1D diabetes awareness
bottom of page