This story was written by Lindsay Grissom on behalf of her family.
Meet Chad, Lindsay, and Harrison! Coming from Colorado Springs, this was their second year at Family Camp.
“Harrison was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just four years old. Our world changed overnight. As a family, we had only two weeks to absorb everything we could about managing his condition before Chad deployed for nine months. That left me, Lindsay, on my own with Harrison — still learning how to keep him alive while he was so young and fragile.
Those first months were incredibly difficult. There were so many sleepless nights, so many moments of fear and uncertainty. But I made a commitment from day one: to learn everything I possibly could to make sure our son wasn’t just surviving, but truly thriving. Every moment became an opportunity to better understand his needs, his care, and how to advocate for him. It’s been a hard journey, but it’s also been one of strength, growth, and love.
Being at camp and meeting people who are on similar journeys is both comforting and empowering. For the first time, we weren’t the only ones navigating the daily challenges of Type 1 diabetes. There’s an instant sense of understanding, no need to explain the little things, because everyone just gets it. It’s emotional to see Harrison surrounded by kids like him, kids who check their blood sugar, count carbs, and wear pumps. He doesn’t feel different here, he feels seen, supported, and normal. And for us, connecting with other parents who’ve been through the same ups and downs has been incredibly healing. Camp is more than just a break — it’s a reminder that we’re not alone in this journey.
Getting to come to camp as a family is truly special. It’s one of the few places where we can all take a deep breath and feelcompletely understood. For once, we don’t have to explain diabetes or worry about being different — everyone here is living it too. We get to enjoy time together, connect with other families, and just be without the constant pressure of managing everything alone. It’s healing for us as parents, and it’s empowering for Harrison to see he’s not alone. Camp brings us closer not only as a family, but as part of a larger community that truly understands our journey.
My favorite moment from this weekend was seeing all these kids — each so unique, yet connected by this one shared part of their lives — bonding so naturally. Watching them laugh, play, and support each other without having to explain their diabetes was incredibly moving. It reminded me that while this diagnosis can feel isolating, there’s a whole community out there walking the same road, and that connection is powerful.
Camp has been the most incredible opportunity for our family to grow closer and connect — not just with each other, but with an entire community that understands our journey. This place is something special, and we feel so blessed to be a part of it.”
