When it comes to community service, most of us give our time to causes we are passionate about. For
Joyce Boudoin, her passion is to create awareness about diabetes and help find a cure for the disease.
Joyce, our Business Process Manager, became an advocate for diabetes research and awareness when her daughter, Alexis, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of four.
“My passion was ignited when my daughter’s school wanted to transfer her for various reasons, all related to diabetes,” Joyce said. “We did not agree with the decision, but we didn’t know our rights at the time. I was determined to help parents avoid going through what we experienced.”
Type 1 diabetes is a 
chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin to properly control blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes generally requires a form of insulin therapy. Type 2 Diabetes, which most of us are familiar with, is caused when the body does not produce enough
insulin or use it efficiently. A main difference is that Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled with
improved diet and exercise.
After Alexis’ diagnosis, Joyce became involved with the American Diabetes Association, training to become a Safe At School Advocate and the local Chair for their Advocacy Committee.
“I work with parents of children with diabetes to help educate them on how to keep their children safe at school,” Joyce said. “It’s so important for parents to understand their rights and how to work effectively with the schools to create a winning partnership.”
When not advocating for parents’ rights, Joyce is spreading the word about diabetes prevention. A big project on the horizon for Joyce is the Step Out Walk on November 5th in Baldwin Park, near downtown Orlando. The event is a 5K walk to raise money and awareness for diabetes. It’s a great opportunity to get some exercise while spreading the word about diabetes research and prevention.
“I know we hear it all the time, but it’s true - maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Joyce said. “Change your diet, increase physical activity - it really works. And know the symptoms of diabetes. Watch out for blurred vision, frequent infections and tingling in the hands and feet.”
With more than 25 million Americans suffering from diabetes, information about the disease is abundant. Joyce suggests starting at diabetes.org to learn more about the prevention and treatment of diabetes.