Wow. What a weekend. The teams at Connected in Motion, The Diabetes Link, and DiabetesSangha just wrapped up a Slipstream weekend for the books. Colorado Slipstream was a weekend filled with adventure, community, and personal growth. But it was also so much more than that. Let’s dive into a recap of Connected in Motion’s Colorado Slipstream and some of our favourite memories from the weekend:
The Energy: Colorado Slipstream kicked off with an unexpected burst of excitement when Richard broke out into song during the icebreaker session. Queen’s “We Are the Champions” filled the air, and to everyone’s delight, the entire group joined in, creating an electric atmosphere of camaraderie. Richard has been living with Type 1 diabetes for OVER 70 YEARS and brought with him wonderful stories and an energy that really brought the group together.
Rain Can’t Dampen the Spirit: Despite the unfortunate rain that prevented a traditional campfire, the Slipstream attendees quickly transformed disappointment into joy by turning the dance hall into an impromptu dance party. The group came together, letting loose and celebrating the vibrant sense of community.
Prioritizing Mental Health: Colorado Slipstream placed a strong emphasis on mental health with a series of impactful sessions, especially through the experience and expertise that DiabetesSangha brought to the event. Participants had the opportunity to engage in open discussions, share their experiences, and gain valuable insights from experts. Peter, Brittany, and Katrina even added an extra mental health session during free time, showcasing the importance of managing mental health and T1D.
A Sweet Disappointment: It wouldn’t be a complete recap without mentioning the dessert mishap. Unfortunately, dessert was not planned for the event, leaving many attendees saddened by the absence of sweet treats. Lesson learned – don’t skip out on the sweets!
Late-Night Hot Topics: The evenings were filled with stimulating conversations that extended well into the night. Engaging in meaningful discussions on a wide range of topics allowed attendees to connect on a deeper level and forge lasting friendships. Hot Topics is a long-time tradition of Slipstream weekends, giving folks the chance to share their own ‘aha moments’, get their questions answered and undoubtedly, learn something new.
Inspiring Speaker Sessions: The lineup of speakers at the Slipstream was nothing short of extraordinary. Each session was filled with valuable insights, personal stories, and empowering messages. The speakers captivated the audience and left a lasting impact on the attendees. A huge shoutout to Annie Cooper,Kelly Six, Dr Ideen Tabatabai, Ashlee Ernst, Peter Friedfeld, Katrina Donnell, Katie Larson, Brittany Harris. Kacey Creel, Peyton Skoczylas and Andrea Lafleche for volunteering their time and wisdom to Colorado Slipstream.
Creative Expression: Paint and Sip: WHAT A HIT! The Diabetes Link hosted a paint-and-sip activity that turned out to be a huge success among Slipstream participants. It was an opportunity for attendees to showcase their artistic talents while bonding with others. The event revealed the abundance of hidden artists within the group.
Alexis’ Beaded Bracelets: A special mention goes to Alexis, a first-time attendee, who displayed her creativity by making beaded bracelets for the entire group. Her thoughtful gesture added a heartfelt touch to the Slipstream experience and reminded everyone of the power of small acts of kindness.
The Slipstream Toast: A moment filled with smiles and hugs, the Slipstream Toast brought the community together in a celebratory atmosphere. It was a time to reflect on the incredible journey shared, acknowledge individual triumphs, and express gratitude for the connections formed.
Emotional Closure: The hike up to the campfire and the final gratitude circle marked the culmination of Coloraod Slipstream. Tears were shed as Julie explained the significance of the gratitude circle (and didn’t stop flowing there!) It was a powerful moment of reflection, unity, and appreciation for the transformative experiences of the Slipstream.
Colorado Slipstream was an unforgettable gathering that embodied the spirit of Connected in Motion. There was something about the energy that was magical. The weekend provided a platform for individuals impacted by Type 1 diabetes to connect, learn, and grow together – but it was so much more. With moments of joy, reflection, and personal connections, the Slipstream created lasting memories that will continue to inspire the community for years to come.
A shoutout to Val from The Diabetes Link for her awesome work capturing the memories of the weekend through photos, videos, and social posts.
Want to experience the magic of Slipstream for yourself? Check out our upcoming events, here.
Did you enjoy our Recap of Connected in Motion’s Colorado Slipstream? Check our our Recap of Western Slipstream 2023 and Recap of Northeastern Slipstream 2023 as well!
A warm and heartfelt thank you to every member of our community who helped make Colorado Slipstream excellent. We extend our gratitude to Tandem Diabetes Care for their invaluable support. We look forward with excitement to our next gathering in the mountains of Colorado, where we can continue to create shared memories, learn together, and deepen our collective strength. Until then, farewell to Colorado Slipstream 2023, and we’ll see you in 2024!
