Rotary Club of Port of Spain West donates $80,000 for children with diabetes

THE Rotary Club of Port of Spain West donated $80,000 to the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT) to aid with the purchase of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for children with type 1 diabetes.

These devices continuously monitor blood sugar levels, providing real-time data and alerts to parents and caregivers, allowing for more efficient management of the child’s glucose levels.

CGMs significantly ease the stress associated with traditional blood-sugar monitoring methods and can drastically improve the quality of life for both the children and their families, a media release said.

The $80,000 donation will enable DATT to procure and onboard several children with these essential devices.

Among those present for the collection of the cheque was endocrinologist Dr Navindra Persad, who shared his experience working with children and their families affected by type 1 diabetes.

Persad said CGMs are a game-changer in the management of this autoimmune disease and give children the opportunity to live long and healthy lives with improved glycaemic control and without finger pricks.

President of the Rotary Club of PoS West Wayne Herbert presented the cheque to Shobha Dookharan, first vice president of the Diabetes Association.

She thanked the club for its immense generosity and echoed the lasting impact the donation would have on its young beneficiaries. She encouraged other organisations and individuals to follow the inspiring example set by the Rotary Club of PoS West.