#925 Best of Juicebox: The Time I Decided to Share

Advocacy Shift

Scott Benner's advocacy journey began with personal blogging, which evolved into a powerful tool for raising awareness and funds for type 1 diabetes. Initially, his efforts were focused on fundraising, with significant success, such as raising $12,000 for JDRF in their second year of participation 1. Over time, Scott realized the importance of sharing personal stories, which resonated deeply with the community and expanded his blog's reach. He reflects, "The blog begins... It's real advocacy heavy at first, but at some point I feel like my asking is getting repetitive and boring" 1. This shift from fundraising to storytelling marked a pivotal moment in his advocacy efforts.

   

Community Building

Building a supportive community became a central theme in Scott's work, as he shared the raw realities of managing type 1 diabetes. He recounts a particularly challenging moment with his daughter Arden's low blood sugar, which he captured on video to convey the true impact of the disease 2. Scott emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope, stating, "When something really crappy happens today and your eyes still open tomorrow and you're not dead, and it didn't knock you down, man, that's where the hope grows" 3. Through his blog, he aims to provide comfort and preparedness for others facing similar challenges, turning personal experiences into a source of strength for the community.