Shauna Judd (far right) founded the Blue Jackets Go Blue for Diabetes movement after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Each year on Nov. 14, Delaware FFA members proudly zip up their blue corduroy jackets to support a powerful cause: diabetes awareness. Meet “Blue Jackets Go Blue for Diabetes,” a statewide movement that started with the vision of Appoquinimink FFA officer Shauna Judd. This movement invites FFA members to wear their iconic blue jackets and encourages nonmembers to wear blue clothing, all to spark conversations about diabetes. The event coincides with National Diabetes Day and is dedicated to raising awareness for a condition that affects more than 37 million Americans. Over the years, the movement has grown beyond the blue jackets of FFA, reaching schools, communities and individuals inspired by its mission.
Judd’s journey as an advocate began when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 10 years old. Adjusting to life with diabetes wasn’t easy, and Judd quickly realized how little representation existed for people with diabetes. Motivated by her experiences, she decided to make a difference, dedicating herself to raising awareness and creating a sense of community for others living with diabetes. Her passion for spreading awareness led to her creating this movement, which has since been adopted by over 10 schools statewide.
Social media has played a pivotal role in the event’s success. “Especially in this day and age, social media is important for everything. It’s been the #1 way members can find out what’s happening in Delaware FFA, and more specifically, with Blue Jackets Go Blue,” Judd said. Through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the “Blue Jackets Go Blue for Diabetes” message can reach not only just FFA members but also students, educators and community members with no ties to FFA.
Students proudly wear different shades of blue in support of the Blue Jackets Go Blue for Diabetes movement.
For Judd, this journey has been transformative. “My determination to advocate for diabetes has pushed me to speak up and helped me evolve as an adult,” she reflected. Through her leadership and the collective power of FFA, Blue Jackets Go Blue for Diabetes has become a meaningful way to inspire hope and make a lasting impact on Delaware FFA Members across the state. Founding Blue Jackets Go Blue for Diabetes has allowed her to turn personal challenges into a platform for change, inspiring conversations and encouraging action. Through Shauna’s leadership and the collective efforts of Delaware FFA members, the movement has grown into a meaningful way to inspire hope, raise awareness, and invoke a lasting impact on Delaware FFA members and communities across the state.
