EDWARDSVILLE - Caroline Gates is organizing a fundraiser to provide newly diagnosed children with Type One Diabetes a Barbie doll equipped with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. The initiative aims to help normalize the condition and offer comfort to young patients in hospitals.
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In the United States, approximately 304,000 children and teenagers live with Type One Diabetes, a condition typically diagnosed at a young age. Gates, of Edwardsville, who was diagnosed at age 11, said the new Barbie reflects the reality of many children managing diabetes daily.
"Each Barbie costs $11. I want to get as many Barbies into as many hospitals as I can," Gates said.
She hopes the dolls will help newly diagnosed kids see that diabetes is nothing to be embarrassed by and provide a source of encouragement during a challenging time.
"I truly believe this will give kids a bit of light after being diagnosed with diabetes. Representation is so important, especially in the early days of being diagnosed," she said.
Mattel’s release of the Barbie sporting a CGM and insulin pump represents a significant step toward increasing representation and awareness of Type One Diabetes. Gates emphasized the importance of representation, especially in the early days after diagnosis.
Gates is seeking donations through a GoFundMe campaign to purchase and distribute the dolls to local hospitals.
