Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
In a meaningful step toward improving the lives of children with diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College Interim Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Margo Vargas-Ayala, DNP, has been appointed to the board of the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA).
Her new role reinforces STC’s enduring partnership with the nonprofit organization, strengthening a united front of health care, education and community leaders committed to raise awareness and create safe, inclusive spaces for youth living with the chronic disease.
“I’m truly honored to have been invited to be part of such an incredible organization. It’s inspiring to see everything they do for our community,” said Vargas-Ayala. “At my first board meeting, hearing the passion and commitment each member brings to supporting children with diabetes, I immediately felt at home. As a former nurse, service has always been in my heart, and I’m proud to represent STC in this mission.”
This summer, as part of the effort, 60 Vocational Nursing students from STC are stepping up as essential support at the STJDA’s residential summer camp “Camp Freedom.”
From monitoring medications to offering hands-on support during daily activities, the students are gaining invaluable, real-world experience while making a lasting impact on the lives of the campers.
“It has been a truly eye-opening experience for our students,” said STC Vocational Nursing Instructor Karen Countryman. “They see firsthand how resilient these children are and how they manage their disease, learning from them and building meaningful connections.”
She added that many students are eager to volunteer year-round, having formed a strong bond with the community they will one day serve as nurses.
“Half of the students already attended during outdoor activities to help monitor the children, acting as an extra set of eyes, especially important in the heat, when blood sugar levels can drop,” she explained. “They were fully engaged, observed closely and genuinely enjoyed the experience. What this association has accomplished and continues to provide for the community is nothing short of impressive. We’re so proud to partner with them.”
Debra Franco, executive director of the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association, founded the association 14 years ago after her son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, recognizing a critical need for local resources and support for families facing the challenges of juvenile diabetes.
“About 95% of the children we serve are the only ones in their families with this diagnosis. They feel isolated and their parents are overwhelmed, with no prior experience to lean on,” Franco said. “That was our reality too. When our son was diagnosed, we had so many questions and nowhere to turn. That’s why we founded STJDA, to become the support system we so desperately needed.”
Serving over 24,000 children just last year, the association has expanded its services to include programs that support not only families of children living with diabetes, but also those with Down syndrome and on the autism spectrum.
“Right now, we’re in the middle of our summer camp program, which brings children together so they can see there are others just like them living with this disease,” Franco explained. “It’s not only about connection, but also about learning how to manage their diabetes while still enjoying the simple joys of childhood.”
Franco explained that these programs are designed to ensure no child feels alone and that families know they have access to local resources that can truly make a difference.
The association also offers a medical assistance program, support group meetings, a food pantry and even a community garden, initiatives that focus on the well-being not only of the child, but of the entire family.
“Since 2019, STC has been an incredible partner, supporting us through a wide range of programs, from Culinary Arts to Welding and Construction, all making a real difference. Together, we’ve taught families how to prepare healthier meals and even built accessible picnic tables for our nature center so children have a safe place to gather and play,” she said. “Most recently, our work with the Vocational Nursing program has been a game-changer. It not only gives us vital support, but also gives future nurses firsthand experience with the daily realities children with diabetes face, helping them better understand both the condition and the technology they’ll one day use to care for others.”
In her new role, Vargas-Ayala said she’s excited and looking ahead to the growth this expanded collaboration between STC and STJDA will bring, believing it will create new opportunities to support thousands of families across the region, while also providing valuable real-world experience for future health care professionals.
“We’re so grateful to be included in this partnership, where STC not only supports their mission, but also helps advocate for the incredible work being done,” she said. “One of my goals is to strengthen our relationship and build more bridges, not just within health care programs, but across all areas where STC can make an impact. Whether through education, outreach or innovation, I want to help create lasting connections that truly serve our community.”
Information source: STC
