Families United for Affordable Insulin (FUFAI) is a T1International group that provides outreach, counsel and guidance for families grieving the loss of loved ones impacted by the insulin price crisis, and promotes affordable insulin for all who need it.

FUFAI is facilitated by Nicole Smith-Holt, the T1International Ambassador, who lost her son Alec in 2017 to insulin rationing. Since then, Nicole has been a tireless advocate in the fight for affordable and accessible insulin and supplies for everyone.

History

Members of FUFAI began meeting in 2018 and formalized under the FUFAI name in February 2021. The group focuses on support and advocacy, turning grief into action. They raise awareness and make people pay attention through sharing their stories across a variety of platforms: providing testimony for legislative hearings, organizing direct actions, working with media and film teams, and more.

The group has participated in vigils outside of the Eli Lilly corporate offices in Indianapolis, and created the What We Lost campaign with T1International to highlight the sacrifices people have made, and continue to make, due to the insulin pricing crisis.

In 2021, T1International Chapter Advocates came together as a Federal Working Group to take action on the needs and concerns of people with diabetes at the US federal level. Together, these volunteer leaders from twelve states learn about federal-level actions that impact people with diabetes. They review and evaluate potential policy solutions for endorsement, and advocate for change. This advocacy includes holding meetings with policy-makers, getting media attention, and more. We recognize that none of these alone can achieve our vision, but together with state and global progress, we believe we can achieve insulin for all.