James Routman launches D.R.I.V.E. to support Camp Nejeda and kids with Type 1 diabetes

James Routman and his brother Matthew co-founded D.R.I.V.E. to raise money and awareness for children with Type 1 diabetes, with Camp Nejeda in Stillwater, New Jersey, as the main beneficiary. The effort combines fundraising, volunteering and advocacy to help kids build independence while managing a condition that shapes daily life.

Why it matters: - Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated 314,000 children and adolescents under 20 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - D.R.I.V.E. is designed to help children with Type 1 diabetes build confidence, independence and support networks through camp-based programs and fundraising. - Camp Nejeda serves children and families who need practical diabetes education and a community that understands the condition.

What happened: - James Routman and his brother Matthew co-founded D.R.I.V.E., short for Diabetics Revitalized through Impactful and Valuable Experiences, when James was in seventh grade. - The initiative raises money for diabetes self-care camps, with Camp Nejeda as the main beneficiary. - Routman said the project grew out of his family experience, including his father’s Type 1 diabetes. - Camp Nejeda is in Stillwater, New Jersey, and offers sleepaway camp, day camp and family camp programs.

The details: - D.R.I.V.E. has raised money through GoFundMe, Camp Nejeda’s donation site, and fundraisers such as Super Bowl Squares and March Madness brackets. - Routman is also organizing a hockey tournament, with player entrance fees earmarked for Camp Nejeda. - Camp funds help pay for scholarships, medical supplies and other camp needs. - Routman volunteered as a counselor at Camp Nejeda after traveling from Parkland, Florida, and arrived early for intensive training. - The training covered nutrition, carb counting, bolus injections, continuous glucose monitoring and how to respond to low blood sugar. - Camp staff member Kiara “KJ” McGonigal said Routman’s willingness to learn and dedication made him an exceptional member of the camp team. - One camper experienced repeated low blood sugar overnight, and Routman stayed with him until he recovered and felt safe enough to sleep. - At the end of the week, that camper thanked Routman and said he had fun at camp. - Routman said support can be as simple as showing up, helping someone and making them feel understood.

Between the lines: - D.R.I.V.E. turns a family health experience into a broader awareness and fundraising effort. - The initiative is also a bridge between peer support and medical self-management, which can be hard for children with Type 1 diabetes to navigate alone. - Routman’s hands-on camp experience gives the project credibility beyond fundraising alone. - The focus on camp, advocacy and student involvement suggests D.R.I.V.E. is meant to grow beyond a one-time donation effort.

What's next: - Routman plans to continue growing D.R.I.V.E. in college. - He wants to use the larger campus community to raise awareness, recruit more student participation and hold additional fundraisers. - Routman also hopes to get involved in diabetes advocacy groups in college. - Supporters can donate to Camp Nejeda directly, give through GoFundMe or purchase items from Camp Nejeda’s Amazon Wishlist. - Questions about the initiative go to Jamesroutman5@gmail.com.

The bottom line: - D.R.I.V.E. is a personal, student-led effort to make life easier for children managing Type 1 diabetes, with Camp Nejeda at the center of that work.