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Prior to the conference, a group of families got together and went to Sea World's Discovery Cove for a dolphin swim encounter. The weather was perfect, and while the water was a bit chilly, everyone enjoyed their time with the dolphins.
On Monday evening, volunteers, led by Lauren Lanning, met at the Coronado's Big Dig pool to organize all of the registration materials. As usual, Lauren had everything well in hand. Many families were old friends, having attended previous CWD conferences. After lots of work -- as well as margaritas and chips -- the registration materials were ready.
Registration opened at noon on Wednesday, though families showed up as early as 7:30 am. Volunteers handed out registration packets, conference t-shirts, and, most important, each child received a Rufus or Ruby bear, courtesy of Bayer. The bears also had an insulin pump added, courtesy of Animas Corporation. Conference volunteers helped families throughout the day and were easy to spot with their bright orange shirts sporting "VOLUNTEER" on the back.
The Quilt for Life was shown on Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 9pm. After receiving several new quilt squares at the conference, 331 squares were on display. The squares filled a large banquet hall. Dozens of volunteers helped lay out the quilts and then put on the new Quilt ID pins that make it easy to identify each quilt square. Everyone who visited the quilt was encouraged to sign the signature square made by Pam Loebner. We have one signature square from each Children with Diabetes conference held since the quilt was started. Viewing the quilt was an emotional experience for everyone. [Movie of viewing the quilt (3mb MPEG)] More photos of the Quilt for Life are on page 10 of the More Photos pages.
After an introduction by CWD Events Coordinator Laura Billetdeaux, the conference officially began with a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by Zippora Karz and a bunch of kids. Conference attendees then entered the exhibit hall to enjoy the Grand Opening Reception, sponsored by Aventis. Kids ran both the the Diabetes Research Institute booth to pick up their Kermit the Frog stuffed animal and to the Novo Nordisk booth to redeem their special gold coins for goodies inside the special vending machine. The sticky eye balls were the hands down favorite for the second year in a row, at least among the boys.
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Jeff, Tim and Kathryn enjoyed the day with the dolphins
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Erin, Marissa, Kristin, Natalie, and Judy with the dolphins
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Lauren Lanning greets Sharon Santana at the pre-conference volunteer session
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Volunteers organize before the conference
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Our kids are the reason we're here
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Families registering on Wednesday
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We gathered signatures for the Quilt for Life
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Kim Kaar viewing the quilt
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The exhibit hall was packed Wednesday evening
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Testing is easy!
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Visits to pump companies was a top priority for many families
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Pelikan's Rock Wall was a huge hit
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