Carmel, Ind., June 11, 2015 – Will’s Way, a Carmel-based nonprofit serving children with type 1 diabetes, celebrates one year since its incorporation by projecting to distribute twice as many grants in 2015 than in the previous year.
The local 501 (c) 3, which provides grants to children who suffer from type 1 diabetes, have insurance and cannot afford to purchase the necessary medical devices, distributed grants to 10 children in 2014. To date, Will’s Way has also been instrumental in facilitating relationships resulting in four families receiving assistance from a local diabetes management company, and three families receiving full-insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors.
“Our first year has been a roller coaster of emotions,” said Lisa Oberndorfer, Executive Director of Will’s Way. “It overwhelms me to think about how high the demand is for our service. There are many children who have insurance, but still need financial assistance to play sports, get through the school day or simply to stay out of the hospital. But, the generosity of our donors and community encourages us to keep fighting for these families.”
Will’s Way was created a few months after Lisa Oberndorfer’s son, Will Oberndorfer (13), was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. After raising more than $8,000 for JDRF, Will was motivated to develop a plan to help other children suffering from the same chronic, incurable disease.
“For me, I have family, friends, teachers, coaches, classmates and teammates who help me stay strong and face diabetes every day. I am lucky,” said Will, co-founder of Will’s Way. “What I’ve learned is that others aren’t so lucky. They may not have the support like I do or the medicine to help them stay healthy. I had no choice becoming a diabetic, but I can choose how I handle my disease.”
Will’s Way’s mission is to help children with type 1 diabetes stay healthy so their bodies will accept a cure once it’s found. Its goal is to educate the youth, the community, insurance companies and school professionals about the severity of type 1 diabetes.
For more information about Will’s Way, visit www.diabeteswillsway.com or call 317-912-4962.
###
ABOUT WILL’S WAY
Will’s Way is a nonprofit located in Carmel, Ind. serving young people in the Midwest who are affected by type 1 diabetes and are underinsured. By partnering with endocrinologists, JDRF Indiana State Chapter, corporate partners, healthcare professionals and medical supply companies, Will’s Way provides grants to families who cannot afford medical devices to manage their child’s glucose levels safely and accurately.
