This year for Diabetes Awareness Month, I wanted to do something meaningful—something that would bring a little light to families facing a new and overwhelming diagnosis. That’s how the Type One Barbie Donation Drive was born. From now until November 30th, I’m collecting as many Type One Barbies as possible, and at the end of the month, Kay, Maeve, and I will deliver them to UMC Children’s Hospital here in Las Vegas—the very place that cared for Kay when she was diagnosed.
When Mattel first released a Barbie with Type One Diabetes, I felt an unexpected wave of joy—very similar to how I felt when the Barbies with Down Syndrome were released. It was the feeling of finally seeing representation. A doll that resembles Kay. A doll that wears the same devices she does. A doll that tells children living with Type One Diabetes: You’re not alone.
Even though the Type One Barbie has been out for a few months, I kept thinking: what better time than now to bring a little comfort to children who are sitting in a hospital room with a brand-new, scary diagnosis? I still remember what it felt like—sitting beside Kay, trying to navigate yet another diagnosis, overwhelmed and unsure. Kay was so tiny, and even then, something as simple as a toy wearing the same devices she now wears would have meant the world.
Kay still treasures her Rufus the Bear that she received from Breakthrough T1D on diagnosis day, so I know firsthand how much these small gestures matter. My hope is that a Type One Barbie gives another family a spark of joy during a time filled with fear and unfamiliar territory.
Since launching the donation drive, we’ve already received 24 Barbies! I am amazed and so deeply grateful for the support from friends, family, and anyone who understands the impact this can make. I’ll be keeping the Amazon wish list active through the end of the month, and all dolls are being shipped to our home. At the end of November, I’ll tally them all up and schedule a day for Kay, Maeve, and I to personally deliver them to UMC.
The number we’ve collected already is far more than I ever imagined when starting this, and I can’t wait to see the final count. As we head into the holiday season, receiving a Type One diagnosis can make what should be a joyful time feel heavy and complicated—trying to balance carb counts, fear, and new routines while still wanting to enjoy the festivities. If this Barbie can bring even a moment of comfort, recognition, or joy to a child or their family, then this little project will have done exactly what I hoped it would.