After 13 years and almost 3000 laps, Don Smith is preparing to make his 14th swim raising money for children with type 1 diabetes. Through countless small personal donations and support of companies and organizations throughout Ohio and parts of Florida, Don and his wife Connie are very proud of the $203,125 they have raised for Diabetes Youth Services (DYS). In the first year, the swim raised $1700. This year the goal is to raise $35,000.
Smith lived most of his life in Continental, Ohio. His swim began after being inspired by a brochure for a charity swim to benefit DYS found at the Defiance Area YMCA. After the first year, Don learned more about DYS and became quite passionate about what the organization does for children with type 1 diabetes. He is often asked what his connection is to diabetes or if he has diabetes. “I do not have diabetes or have anyone in my family with diabetes. It’s about the kids,” says Don Smith, “it’s all about the kids.”
Since retiring to Sun City Center, Florida, Don and Connie have taken their cause on the road. They have shared their passion for DYS with their new neighbors. Everyone who meets Don and Connie are inspired by their enthusiasm. Their supporters now spread through 28 states and 2 countries.
The signature program that DYS offers is summer camp for children toddler to teen. The money that the Smiths raise ensures that any child who wants to attend camp is able to attend. He insists that no child be turned away because of a family’s inability to pay the fees. Year after year, the funds that he raises makes camp available and affordable to any child who wants to attend.
DYS has its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, and serves children throughout a 34 county area in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The organization also provides support services, education programs in schools, mentoring and family programming.
On February 2, Smith is preparing to swim his annual 300 laps to raise money for Diabetes Youth Services. Donations for Smith’s swim can be sent to: Don Smith Swim, c/o DYS, 2100 W. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606. Please make checks payable to DYS and put Don Smith Swim in the memo.
About Diabetes Youth Services (DYS): Diabetes Youth Services is a local, independent, non-profit organization that provides educational and supportive services for youth with diabetes. Services are sustained through individual, foundation, and corporate charitable contributions. All DYS programs are staffed by experienced diabetes educators. For more information about DYS visit www.dys4kids.org or call 419-291-1234.
