Friends for Life Conference and Expo - July 7-12, 2009
Friends for Life Conference and Expo
July 7-12, 2009
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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Meet inspirational adults with type 1, like members of Team Type 1
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Spend time at the Quilt for Life
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Join in the Fun Run - once around the lake
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Teen's have their own programming--and the Teen Dance
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Even parents enjoy dancing after the Banquet
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Grandparents come too!
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Learn about the latest in diabetes care tools in the Exhibit Hall
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Learn from world class experts like Dr. David Harlan from the NIDDK
We've just landed back in England with heads filled with stories and hearts filled with wonder. Our friends here will be heartily tired of us as we tell tales of our adventures with Children with Diabetes. Friends for Life exceeded our expectations on so many levels; we met heaps of terrific people, made friends, learned so much about living with diabetes and how to improve all of our lives through application and communication. Above all we realised more than ever before that we're not alone, that our challenges are shared by many and that where there's life there's hope. Tom Karlya mentioned a quote from the Escobars in his welcome speech, the one about bottling the essence of Friends for Life so that one could open that bottle whenever one wanted. We couldn't know at the time what he meant; we do now. We'll be back, and we're bringing friends.
--Ashley from England about Friends for Life 2008
Preliminary Conference Information
Children with Diabetes (CWD) presents our 10th annual Friends for Life conference! Join our international group of world-renowned clinicians, researchers, physicians, adults, children, and families with diabetes to learn the most current information in diabetes care. Attend educational sessions and get cutting-edge ideas for your family's diabetes management. Participate in parent discussion groups and find new, creative ways to help and motivate your children. Connect in-person with families you've met through the CWD online community. Watch toddlers and teens, young parents and grandparents, new diabetes professionals and practiced clinicians make new and lifelong friendships. This is a conference you won't ever forget!
Who Should Attend the 2009 Event?
* Families and individuals with type 1 diabetes
* Young adults, teens, school-age children, and younger children
* Kids with type 1 diabetes, their siblings and their best buddies
* Their parents and grandparents
* Adults with type 1 diabetes and their families
* Health care professionals who work with type 1 diabetes
The Conference Schedule in a Nutshell
* Tuesday, July 7: Community connections, Getting-to-know-you receptions; Volunteer Thank you reception; Registration opens
* Wednesday, July 8: Focus groups all day (preregistration for the groups is required); Sports Central open for pick-up basketball and volleyball; Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall at 6:00 p.m., including the Quilt for Life display
* Thursday, July 9: Family Fun Run; sessions for adults and children all day (including grandparents track); Family and Friends Banquet; Sports Central
* Friday, July 10: Sessions for adults and children all day (including grandparents track); Teens offsite at Disney's Hollywood Studios; Teen Dinner Dance; Young Adult Dinner Dance; Tween Karaoke Social; Dessert and Scientific Posters with the Faculty; Sports Central
* Saturday, July 11: Magical Memories Character Breakfast; CWD Day at Magic Kingdom®
* Sunday, July 12: Farewell Breakfast
The Conference Venue and Reservations
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is located near Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Five swimming pools are on the hotel grounds, including a huge, feature-pool complex with southwestern theme. A children's playground is on site, as is a large game arcade and fitness center. Watercraft and bike rentals are offered. A jogging trail winds around the 15-acre lake. Complimentary Disney bus transportation is available between the hotel and all Disney Theme Parks.
Newly renovated hotel rooms include two double beds or a king bed, refrigerator, high speed internet (fee for service), ceiling fan, coffee maker, wall safe, telephone with voice mail and data port. Wireless high speed Internet is available in public areas of the hotel, including the lobby, conference center, and swimming pool.
Room rates are $149 + tax. This rate is available from July 3, 2009 to July 13, 2009 for those families who might want to extend their vacation. Corporate Suites may be reserved for hospitality events or entertaining, subject to availability.
For housing reservations, call Disney conference reservations directly at 407-939-1020. Be sure to say you are with the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life conference. The Children with Diabetes room block is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that you are only in the CWD room block – and only have the perks of being in the room block - if you make reservations through this phone number (i.e., not through the Disney 800 number or through a travel agent because they cannot access the CWD rooms). You may also book your hotel at www.disneyurl.com/ChildrenWDiabetes2009Conf.
Also, please note that this year's conference backs up to the busy July 4 holiday weekend. The resort will be quite crowded and will likely sell out early. If you plan to vacation for a few days prior to the conference, please make your reservations as soon as possible.
Additional conference information will be available later this fall!
Cancellation Policy
In case of cancellation prior to June 1, 2009, a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be provided. After June 1, 2009, no refunds will be offered. Hotel room cancellation is subject to the rules of the resort.
For More Information
For more conference information, contact:
* Mike Schurig at 407-859-9630 or Mike@childrenwithdiabetes.com or
* Laura Billetdeaux at 734-428-8265 or Laura@childrenwithdiabetes.com
