We recently had the pleasure of kicking off our 2023 Slipstream Season at beautiful Camp Caribou in Winslow, Maine. It was a wonderful reunion of friends from far and wide at the Northeastern Slipstream 2023, filled with laughter, adrenaline, and convos that left us buzzing. If you weren’t able to join us, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through the memorable moments and learnings from the event. (And hopefully, we’ll see you at our next event!)
We’ll kick things off with a massive shout-out to our incredible sponsor, Tandem Diabetes Care. Their unwavering support played a pivotal role in turning this event into reality.
And, of course, to our Slipstream Leads, Amy Burrows and Sarah Gaughan, and Slipstream Manager, Julie De Vos – Thank you for all of the work behind the scenes (and in front of them!) to make Northeastern Slipstream 2023 amazing. Your dedication and genuine care for our community were invaluable, as were the efforts of our tireless volunteers – BJ Garceau, Alissa Carberry, and Mary Jane Roche. THANK YOU for making this weekend one never to forget.
Finally, thank you to the teams at DiabetesSangha for ensuring that our weekend was mindful and serene, and to The Diabetes Link, our partners for the 2023 US Slipstream events.
Now, onto the most unforgettable moments of the weekend!
- We watched in awe as Pete Buckley, our long-time Slipstreamer and local Tandem Diabetes Care Rep, performed push-ups on the high ropes cross-beam. While some of us could barely fathom putting on a harness, Pete was up 30+ feet in the air showing us that heights had nothing on him!
- An awesome group of new diabuddies took on the 12 ft wall at the low ropes team-building wall, showing the power of our collective spirit. You’d never have known that most of them met less than 24 hours prior!
- We saw Andy nearly pull off a 360 spin trick while kneeboarding. This became known as the “epic 359”. Next year – he’ll nab that extra degree, no problem!
- We were all wowed by Laurel’s fearlessness on the aqua-zip. Not a moment of hesitation (well – that’s how we remember it anyway!)
- Qiana Drew, a singer & actress and a champion of empowerment, sang a heart-touching original song about our shared journey with T1D. The excitement for its official release in August is already building!
- Mick’s Mixology class was such a hit we had to send BJ for a rum & lime run. We spent so much time behind the scenes organizing diabetes education sessions – who knew that all we really needed was Mick and his mixes!
- A group of our Slipstreamers discovered their hidden pickleball talents (Olympics 2024, here they come!) This was pickleball’s Slipstream activity debut and one that we hope sticks around for year’s to come!
- And our recap wouldn’t be complete without our surprise guest – River, the camp dog, who kept finding his way under our tables during meals.
Amid the laughter and new friendships, Slipstreamers also had the chance to learn from a wonderful roster of speakers. Adventure athlete Ian MacNairn took us on a global journey, delving into his experiences of extreme embodiment with Type 1 diabetes, interlacing it with invaluable insights from Indigenous traditions.
Sarah Mann shared her skills as a Barre3 instructor with the group, get folks out and moving in the beautiful sunshine. Qiana shared her inspiring journey with Type 1 diabetes, connecting it to her love for music and empowerment.
We also navigated through serious topics such as diabetes burnout, vulnerability, and complications. Kerri Sparling, a writer and patient advocate, shared her experiences and insights on dealing with complications and vulnerability, offering strength and guidance to all. And BJ Garceau delved into understanding and managing diabetes burnout, bringing her experience as a healthcare professional and a long-time T1D to the conversation.
Alongside these intense discussions, Sarah Petti, a diabetes advocate and yoga enthusiast, led meditative sessions of yoga and mindfulness that helped us reconnect with ourselves, offering a moment of tranquility amid the bustling weekend.
A final shoutout to Tandem Diabetes Care team member Pete Buckley, who brought a wealth of knowledge about the t:slim X2 insulin pump, delivering an informative presentation on the latest technology in diabetes management. Pete shared his personal experience and answered some of the frequently asked questions about the Control-IQ technology, enlightening us about this advanced hybrid closed-loop system with automated insulin delivery (AID). He explained how it helps to predict and prevent highs and lows, its integration capabilities with other diabetes management devices, and the positive impact it’s been having on the lives of those with T1D around the world. (Visit tandemdiabetes.com/safetyinfo for additional important safety information.)
These insightful presentations and discussions served as a reminder that while we were having fun, we were also there to learn and grow together. After all, our Slipstream events are all about striking the perfect balance between knowledge-sharing, personal growth, community building, and, of course, fun!
There’s something magical about the camaraderie and connections formed at Slipstream events. Whether you were kneeboarding alongside Andy, conquering the ropes course, engaged in intense conversations about managing T1D, or simply relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere, we hope you left with your heart full and your spirit high.
And for those who missed out this time, don’t worry—we’re already excited for our next gathering. Remember, whether we are meeting in person or connecting online, our community is robust, vibrant, and always ready to support you. As the line from Qiana’s forthcoming song beautifully encapsulates our collective spirit, “We’re not alone with T1D.”
Check out our upcoming Slipstreams, and join the conversation on Facebook.
As we close the chapter on our Northeastern Slipstream 2023 event, we’re filled with a sense of gratitude for everyone who was part of this wonderful journey. From our leads Amy Burrows and Sarah Gaugahn, our volunteers BJ Garceau, Alissa Carberry, Mary Jane Roche, to our supporting partners Tandem Diabetes Care, DiabetesSangha, and The Diabetes Link, every contribution helped shape an unforgettable experience.
And of course, a huge thank you to each one of you in our community, who bring their unique light and energy, enriching our Slipstream family. We’re eagerly anticipating our next gathering, where we can continue to create shared memories, learn together, and deepen our collective strength. Until then, goodbye to Northeastern Slipstream 2023 and we’ll see you in 2024!
