In our final episode for 2025, host Jacqui Kidman sits down with the incredible Bianca Ward — Type 1 mum of two, longtime supporter of the Type 1 Foundation and the heart behind the Care Packs program.

Bianca shares her family’s deeply personal journey through her daughter Daisy’s diagnosis at age 2, followed by her son Daniel’s diagnosis a few years later. She reflects on the shock, the fear, the finger-prick monitoring and the slow process of accepting a second diagnosis — all while raising a newborn. Her honesty is raw, generous and instantly relatable to any parent walking this path.

From attending her first Foundation Christmas party in 2017 to now leading the Care Packs program, Bianca explains how these beautifully curated packs come together — and why they matter so much. Each Care Pack is personalised, thoughtfully built and designed to feel like a hug during one of the most overwhelming times a family can face. They include practical tools, comforting items, sibling resources, samples, medical alert supplies and special touches chosen with love.

Bianca also discusses her passion for connecting families, helping parents find their "people," and making sure no one faces Type 1 alone. From Tiny-Tots sessions to Grandparent Webinars, Mum Dinners to Christmas events, she works to ensure every family has somewhere to land.

Further Resources:      
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au

Episode 31: The Heart Behind the Care Packs: Bianca’s Story

In this powerful and emotional episode, Jacqui sits down with Kimmie, mum to Priya, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just three years old after a terrifying brush with DKA.

Kimmie opens up about the traumatic lead-up to Priya’s diagnosis — weeks of illness following a tonsillectomy, multiple GP visits, and a heartbreaking moment when she found her daughter unconscious on the floor. She shares what it was like to rush to hospital, hear the words “she could die,” and watch insulin quite literally save her daughter’s life overnight.

Together, Jackie and Kimmie talk about what life has looked like since: the transition from MDI to pump and CGM, starting school, navigating identity and confidence, and the mental load of parenting a young child with Type 1.

This is a must-listen for parents of little ones newly diagnosed, and for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of this condition. Kimmie’s honesty and advocacy will stay with you long after the episode ends.

🧠 What You’ll Hear

 * Priya’s traumatic diagnosis story and how COVID isolation delayed early signs
 * What DKA looked like for a 3-year-old and the lifesaving role of insulin
 * Moving from injections to tech (Omnipod and Dexcom)
 * Helping Priya navigate school life and self-confidence with visible devices
 * Why advocacy and gentle awareness matter in classrooms
 * The importance of parental mental health and therapy
 * How Kimmie reframes “diaversaries” as family milestones of growth and strength

Further Resources:      
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au

Episode 30: Surviving DKA and Thriving with Type 1: Kimmie and Priya’s Story

Jess shares the journey of parenting through two life-changing diagnoses — first understanding Millie’s neurodivergence and then adapting to the demands of daily diabetes management. Together, they talk about the unique challenges (and insights) that come with balancing both, how ADHD influences diabetes care and the strength it takes as a parent to navigate constant learning, advocacy and support.

This episode is a powerful reminder that every child’s path is different and that understanding, flexibility and community can make all the difference.

What You’ll Hear

 * Millie’s ADHD diagnosis story and how it shaped Jess’s parenting
 * The shock of Millie’s later Type 1 diabetes diagnosis
 * How ADHD impacts diabetes routines, focus and food decisions
 * Strategies Jess uses to support Millie’s independence and confidence
 * The emotional load of parenting a child with multiple diagnoses
 * Why connecting with other families who “get it” can be so grounding
 * The importance of compassion — for your child and yourself

Further Resources:      
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au

Episode 29: From ADHD to Type 1–Jess’s Journey Supporting Millie Through Dual Diagnoses

In this week’s episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, Jacqui is joined once again by Andi Balog, also known as The T1D Nutritionist, to take a deep dive into one of the most important (and often confusing!) aspects of Type 1 diabetes management: carbohydrate counting.

Andi shares her personal journey with carb counting from diagnosis to mastering the skill, and offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and strategies to build confidence and reduce overwhelm when managing food and insulin.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about carb counting, confused by food labels, or stuck relying on packaged food for ease, this episode is packed with tips to help you take the next step toward more accurate, flexible and empowered diabetes management.

Connect further with Andi @thet1dnutritionist [https://www.instagram.com/thet1dnutritionist]
Carb counting masterclass [https://empoweringhealthcoaching.thinkific.com/courses/carb-counting-masterclass]  
Or visit The Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/nutritionandexercise] 

Further Resources:    
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au

Episode 28: Mastering Carb Counting with Andi Balog

In this heartfelt episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, host Jacqui Kidman sits down with Megan, a fellow Type 1 Mum, to share the powerful story of her son Beau, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just after his first birthday — while the family was already navigating his epilepsy diagnosis.

Megan opens up about the early warning signs that were missed, the instinct that something wasn’t right and the overwhelming emotions of managing two complex conditions at once. She also reflects on what it’s been like supporting Beau through early childhood with diabetes, building confidence in decision-making and finding the support she needed as a Mum.

This episode is an honest look at mother’s intuition, advocacy, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up, day after day.

💡 In This Episode You’ll Hear:

 * How Beau’s epilepsy diagnosis unfolded — and how it masked early signs of diabetes
 * The missed clues and hospital visits leading up to Beau’s Type 1 diagnosis at age 1
 * The shock of managing two life-altering conditions in a baby
 * The emotional toll and how Megan found strength and support
 * Navigating early childhood diabetes — pumps, CGMs, daycare, and fussy eating
 * What it’s like when dad also lives with Type 1 — and how the family learned together
 * How childcare managed Beau’s care (and the gaps in training and support)
 * Megan’s reflections on self-care, therapy and finding her community

Connect further with Megan and Beau:
 Instagram: @beau.t1d  [http://beau.t1d/]

Further Resources:    
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au

Episode 27: Navigating Two Diagnoses: Megan’s Journey with Beau’s Type 1 Diabetes and Epilepsy

In this inspiring episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, host Jacqui Kidman sits down with Olly Green, an 18-year-old from Melbourne who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes during lockdown in 2020. Olly shares his powerful story — from the shock of diagnosis at age 14, navigating stigma and confidence, to finding his rhythm as an athlete and now setting an incredible goal: running 220km from Point Lonsdale to Portsea to raise awareness and funds for Type 1 Diabetes research.

This is a conversation about resilience, growth, and turning challenge into motivation. Ollie’s story is a must-listen for teens, parents, and anyone navigating Type 1.

💡 In This Episode You’ll Hear:

 * Ollie’s diagnosis story during lockdown — and the sudden onset of symptoms
 * The emotional and social challenges of being diagnosed as a teenager
 * How stigma and confidence played into his journey of telling others
 * His memorable supermarket hypo story (yes, involving an unpaid chocolate milk!)
 * Lessons learned managing Type 1 while playing elite-level football
 * The importance of routine, trial and error, and learning from mistakes
 * Transitioning to the Omnipod pump and how it changed his management
 * Preparing for a 220km run to raise $10,000 for Type 1 Diabetes research
 * Advice he’d give to his younger self — and to other teens with Type 1
 * His go-to hypo treatment (and a very strong opinion about red snakes 🐍😄)

🏃‍♂️ Support Ollie’s Run:
Ollie will be running from Point Lonsdale to Portsea (220km over 6 days, Nov 9–14) to raise funds for Breakthrough and Type 1 research.
🎯 Goal: $10,000
📲 Donate or follow his journey via Instagram: @OllyGreennn [https://www.instagram.com/olliegreennn]
(Link in bio for donations)

Further Resources:    
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au

Episode 26: From Diagnosis to Determination: Olly Green’s Type 1 Journey and 220km Challenge

In this episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, Jacqui sits down with Drew Harrisberg, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 21 years old.

Drew offers a powerful reflection on the early days of diagnosis. From the shock and sleepless nights to gradually building confidence and trusting himself to navigate T1D. He talks about his journey to make peace with uncertainty, the lessons learned along the way and the importance of empathy, support and not expecting perfection.

💬 In this episode:

 * Recognising symptoms and acting quickly
 * The emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis
 * How type 1 impacts every aspect of daily life and how to adapt
 * Support networks, honesty, and the value of sharing the reality (not just the wins)
 * Drew’s advice to go easy on yourself and take it one day at a time

This candid, grounded conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to be doing an incredible job. Drew speaks with vulnerability, humour and heart. A role model, a voice that will resonate with many.

🔗 Connect with Drew:
Follow Drew on Instagram:  Drews Daily Dose [https://www.instagram.com/drews.daily.dose/]

Further Resources:
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

Episode 25: Drew’s Story of Acceptance, Identity & Living the Good Life with Type 1

In this episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, host Jacqui Kidman welcomes back guest Lia Goodwin, mum to Violet who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 11 months old.

Lia shares the raw, honest, and deeply personal journey of navigating the early childhood education and care system with a child living with T1D — from the overwhelm of diagnosis to building trust with educators, transitioning between centres, and advocating for meaningful inclusion and support.

💬 What We Cover:

 * How Lia approached childcare shortly after Violet's diagnosis
 * The emotional toll of leaving a medically vulnerable child in someone else’s care
 * Training educators, adapting care plans, and building trust in early learning settings
 * The lack of formal support for type 1 diabetes in the Inclusion Support Program
 * Facing (and overcoming) discrimination and fear of stigma
 * The incredible ways Violet’s current centre supports her and educates others
 * Practical tips and strategies to help families prepare for childcare
 * The importance of parent-led care planning and proactive communication

This episode is full of valuable insights and advocacy wisdom for any family preparing to send their young child with T1D into early learning environments. Whether you're just beginning your childcare journey or looking to improve your current setup, Lia’s experience will resonate deeply.

🔗 Connect with Lia and Violet’s journey:
Follow on Instagram: @oursweet.type1 [https://www.instagram.com/oursuite.type1]
Listen to Episode 10: Violet's diagnosis story here [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uqxttT6iulRtZeePNNKK3?si=WbrZab3dQf6Xo4mQdliC_w]

Further Resources:   
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au

Episode 24: Navigating Childcare with Type 1 Diabetes

In this deeply honest and powerful episode, Jacqui speaks with Tiara, a mother navigating the early days of her daughter Alaska’s recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. At just 11 years old, Alaska's diagnosis came after months of confusing symptoms, misdiagnoses, and even a moment of collapse — all just days before starting high school.

Tiara shares how she trusted her gut despite dismissals from medical professionals, and how the diagnosis reshaped every part of their family’s world overnight. From managing Alaska’s medical anxiety and sensory sensitivities to advocating for her at school and learning a whole new medical language, Tiara’s story is one of fierce love, resilience, and the invisible weight parents carry.

This episode is for every parent who's ever felt overwhelmed, every child trying to be brave, and every family finding their way through a new diagnosis.

💬 What We Cover:

 * The long path to diagnosis and how fainting during a board game led to hospital
 * Alaska’s medical anxiety and why a pump made all the difference
 * Navigating two new high schools in two weeks after diagnosis
 * The emotional toll on parents — and how Tiara is coping
 * Dyscalculia, tech, and double-checking insulin math
 * Finding a diabetes educator who changed everything
 * Tiara’s advice for other families just starting out on this journey
 * Why the Type 1 community matter so much

📲 Follow Alaska and Tiara:
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Livingtype1.alaska] - see Alaska proudly rocking her pump and sensor and sharing her story with the world.

Further Resources:  
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au 

Episode 23: Parenting Through Diagnosis: Tiara on Raising Alaska with Strength and Love

In this episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, Jacqui sits down with 23-year-old Emily Searle — a university student, childcare educator, and passionate Type 1 diabetes advocate living in Sydney.

Diagnosed with celiac disease at age three and Type 1 diabetes just one week before graduating high school at 17, Emily shares her powerful and deeply personal story of navigating two chronic conditions. From initial denial and needle phobia to learning how to advocate for herself and find community, Emily’s journey is filled with resilience, humour, and wisdom.

She speaks candidly about managing diabetes through exams, dating, travel, endometriosis, and the complex relationship with food — especially when living with both diabetes and celiac. Now a proud voice in the Type 1 community, Emily shares her life on Instagram to reduce stigma, empower others, and remind everyone that diabetes doesn’t define you — but it can shape you.

💬 What We Cover:

 * Emily’s diagnosis just before HSC and her biggest fears at the time
 * The mental and social challenges of injecting at school and in public
 * Living with both Type 1 and celiac — and how it affects food, emotions, and planning
 * Navigating needle phobia and learning to self-manage from day two
 * Why she shares her journey on Instagram and what it means to build community
 * The emotional impact of highs and lows, and how her friends and boyfriend help
 * How she’s built a full, beautiful life post-diagnosis, with study, work, travel, and more
 * Her unique hypo treatment (spoiler: it involves café sugar sticks!)

📲 Follow Emily:
Instagram: @EmilyT1D [https://www.instagram.com/emilyt1d]
She shares her Type 1 life to connect, empower, and raise awareness.

Further Resources:
Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]
Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]
Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

Episode 22: From Celiac to Type 1: Emily’s Double Diagnosis Journey

Welcome to the Type 1 Club - Navigating Type 1 Together

A podcast hosted by the Type 1 Foundation, a community who intimately understand the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with Type 1 Diabetes.

Join us as we share others personal experiences, insights and expertise to inform, educate and empower others on this journey. With knowledge, compassion and support, no one should ever feel alone in managing Type 1 Diabetes. 

Welcome to the Type 1 Club.

Type 1 Foundation

Shows