Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1665: Kent Has Something to Say – October 29, 2025
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Kent Snackenberg

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and uplifting episode, Scott welcomes back Kent Snackenberg, founder of Team Snack Strong, to reflect on a decade of his relentless grassroots advocacy for Type 1 diabetes awareness, prevention of misdiagnosis, and support for affected families. Kent recounts his journey from a single bike ride to establishing a nationwide network, sharing the emotional stories and practical strategies that have made a tangible difference in countless lives. The episode centers on the impact of community-based education, empowering children with Type 1, and the persistence of giving—often against the odds. For both newcomers and longtime listeners, this episode reveals how one person’s mission can ripple across a community, and why small acts of kindness can save lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

How Kent Started on His Mission

• Origin Story ([03:51])

  • Kent’s involvement began when his niece Michelle was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 14.
  • Participated in a JDRF bike ride with his brothers at Lake Tahoe, which exposed him to the broader T1D community.
  • A conversation with Erin, a woman diagnosed at 42, helped him realize the huge spectrum of T1D and need for awareness that adults are equally at risk.

  "At that point, I thought all people just—it was all kids that got type 1 diabetes, right? And she said she was 42." – Kent ([06:26])

• A Moment of Calling ([09:43])

  • At 60, still working, Kent felt compelled—what he calls his “mission”—to do more than support his niece.
  • After being awarded the Spirit Jersey at a JDRF banquet, he impulsively committed to riding all JDRF rides nationwide and ramp up awareness efforts.

  "It was my mission. It was my moment in life...when God came into my soul or whatever and just said, 'you can help these people.'" – Kent ([10:18])

Building Team Snack Strong and The T1 Destroyer

• Grassroots Awareness Campaign ([12:14])

  • Kent created the “T1 Destroyer” truck, decorated with graphics and symptoms lists, to travel around the country raising awareness.
  • Organized a national contest to name the truck.

  "The truck’s called the T1 Destroyer. We had a national contest... the person that won it said, 'You are the T1 Destroyer.'" – Kent ([12:14])

• Financial Impact & Fundraising ([13:38])

  • Over $1.2 million raised since starting, benefiting both research and direct aid.
  • Kent and his wife have personally funded the bulk of travel and outreach expenses.
  • 26,000+ T-shirts distributed—front: logo, back: symptoms—to build an “army” of awareness, with kids and adults as mobile advocates.

  "We've given out over 26,000 t-shirts...the key to this whole thing about creating this whole army of kids..." – Kent ([16:54])

School Programs and Empowering Children

• School Awareness Visits ([18:52])

  • Kent visits schools (75+ assemblies) to educate about T1D, hand out shirts, and empower diagnosed kids to publicly share their stories.
  • These firsthand stories break down isolation and misunderstanding around diabetes devices and management.

  “Nothing is more exciting to me than walking into a school, 400 kids, or 800 kids...and they all have a bright yellow Team Snack shirt on... they're bought in because they know this guy's serious.” – Kent ([17:54])

• A Memorable Transformational Moment ([23:55])

  • Sixth-grade girl, previously too embarrassed to speak, takes the microphone and explains why she wears certain clothes due to injection bruises—receives standing ovation, later finds confidence among peers.

  “She walked back over to me and handed me the microphone and she said thank you...her mom called me and said, 'I don't know what you did or who you are, but you changed my little girl's life.'” – Kent ([24:35])

• Raising Hope and Saving Lives ([34:16])

  • Kent receives letters from grateful parents and teachers, crediting his presentations with saving children’s lives by enabling early T1D recognition.

  "She said, two years later, my son started showing the symptoms of type 1...I know in my heart, you saved my son's life." – Kent ([34:16])

Camp Discovery and Direct Financial Support

• Funding Scholarships and Camp Experiences ([36:44])

  • Team Snack Strong Fund now grants $1,500/year to local T1D families for essential expenses—plus $1,000 from another foundation.
  • Full scholarships provide transformative camp experiences (175+ kids sent; 36 last year, 40 projected).
  • Kent shares emotionally about the lifelong impact of T1D camps on confidence and peer connections.

  "Camps are one of the best things that I ever hooked up with...Their lives are changed forever and we want to definitely continue that program." – Kent ([39:24])

Longevity, Legacy, and Community

• Scaling Up and Succession ([41:00], [43:36])

  • As Kent approaches his 71st birthday, succession planning is top of mind—aims for Team Snack Strong Fund to be managed as a “legacy fund” to keep the mission alive after him.
  • His community foundation partners will continue awareness, financial aid, and camp assistance, supported by a passionate local base and the hope others will step up as needed.

  "It'll continue...But I'm also hoping it's a long time down the road too." – Kent ([44:47])

Personal Costs, Health, and Philosophy

• Struggles and Perseverance ([45:34])

  • Kent openly discusses a recent heart health scare and surgery—resiliently adapting his activism to new physical limitations but vowing not to quit.
  • Family sacrifices are framed as worthwhile—his wife, “an unbelievable partner,” and children understand the larger mission.

  "I've obviously missed some things I probably shouldn't have, but I think my family understands how important this is...it's part of our family name and it's our nickname." – Kent ([28:11])

• Motivational Philosophy ([63:46])

  • Kent’s message: When you encounter a moment to help, don’t pass it up. Every new day is an opportunity to make someone’s life better.

  “When your moment in life comes...just don't miss it. My moment came in 2015...and your bubble will come. Just don't miss it.” – Kent ([62:08])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Starting his Mission
  "It was just that moment in life when God came into my soul or whatever and just said, you know, this is your deal. You can help these people." – Kent ([10:18])

• On the Power of Awareness
  "You can't stop the disease, but you can stop people from dying from senseless deaths and being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. You got to tell people." – Kent ([51:15])

• On Children Given a Voice
  "This little girl... said 'I want you to know the reason I don't wear a two-piece swimming suit or tank tops because I'm embarrassed with all the spots on my body and all the bruises from having to give myself shots, but I have to have those shots to live every day.' She walked back over... handed me the mic and she said thank you." – Kent ([23:55])

• On Impact and Ripple Effects
  "You'll do it so many times in your life and beyond your life, you won't even...you'll never know how many people you touched, I don't believe." – Scott ([33:38])

• On the Value of Direct Help
  "When you give something to somebody that needs you and doesn't have what you have to give, then it's well worth it. And that’s kind of the way I feel." – Kent ([32:24])

• On Small Gestures, Big Meaning
  "As I turned and walked away, she said, 'You already have... we've been sitting here for two years and you're the first person that's ever stopped to check on us.'” – Kent ([57:46])

Important Timestamps

• [03:51] – Kent’s origin story and connection to diabetes
• [09:43] – The moment Kent committed to lifelong advocacy
• [12:14] – The creation and naming of the "T1 Destroyer" truck
• [16:54] – Milestone: 26,000+ awareness t-shirts distributed
• [18:52] – Structure and impact of Kent’s school awareness program
• [23:55] – Moving moment: sixth grader overcomes her shame
• [28:11] – Kent discusses the sacrifices and support of his family
• [34:16] – Letters from families—saving lives through awareness
• [36:44] – Details and successes of Team Snack Strong Fund and diabetes camp scholarships
• [45:34] – Kent’s heart procedure and adapting to health challenges
• [51:15] – Frustration about big organizations and message priorities
• [62:08] – Kent’s story about helping a stranger, underscoring his philosophy
• [63:46] – Legacy, family pride, and the “secret to life”

Further Resources & How to Connect

• Find Kent on Facebook:
  • Kent Snackenberg (personal page)
  • Team Snack Strong (page, limited activity)
• Team Snack Strong Fund (Emporia Community Foundation): Supports T1D families in Northeast Kansas with camp scholarships and financial aid
  • Emporia Community Foundation (search for Team Snack Strong)
• JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D): National research and advocacy partner

Overall Tone & Takeaways

This episode is warm, emotional, and deeply grounded in the lived realities of families affected by Type 1 diabetes. Kent’s passion and authenticity shine through as he shares both the heartache of loss and the inspiration drawn from empowered children, supportive communities, and the small, everyday choices to make a difference. Scott’s thoughtful questions and personal anecdotes create an intimate, encouraging tone that highlights the value of direct action, perseverance, and kindness. The stories and advice offered are as relevant to newly diagnosed families as to longtime advocates looking for practical, proven ways to spark change.

Final Thought:
If you’re looking for inspiration to get involved, reassurance that small actions matter, or practical ideas for diabetes awareness and support, Kent’s story proves that you don’t need a huge organization—just commitment, heart, and a willingness to act “when your bubble comes.”