ELBOWBUMPKID INC
A volunteer-powered, community-funded nonprofit.
Elbowbumpkid Inc was named after Saige (the Elbowbumpkid), diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 17 months old in 2008 and Celiac Disease at age 12 in 2019. The Merwin family has built community, fundraised, and raised awareness while partnering with other nonprofits — raising over $100,000 for T1D organizations since 2008.
We are fueled by our volunteer board and committee members who are passionate about making a difference in the T1D community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Samantha Merwin
President
"My son Saige (Elbowbumpkid) was diagnosed with T1D when he was 17 months old." Her family has raised over $100,000 for T1D nonprofits since 2008 and enjoys planning community events.
Shaleela Pina
Member, Community Outreach & Fundraising
"I am Shaleela Pina, mother to T1D warrior, Taylan, who was diagnosed at the age of 10 on 7/2/2021." Shaleela works through volunteering and advocacy to help families thrive.
Kaylyn Wark
Secretary & Marketing
"My daughter, Audrey, was diagnosed Type 1 in 2022 when she was 9 years old." Kaylyn is passionate about T1D education and helping families thrive.
Saige Merwin
Member
"I'm Saige Merwin, aka the Elbowbumpkid. I was diagnosed with T1D at 17 months old." Saige enjoys computers, skiing, skateboarding, and high school tennis.
CLINICAL SUPPORT
Michele Perriolat
RDN, CDCES — Clinical Consult
"My entire career has been dedicated to supporting people with diabetes, with positions at Beth Israel Hospital, Bristol Hospital, Medtronic Inc, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and currently as the Senior Clinical Diabetes Specialist at Sequel Med Tech."
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
- Lisa DeGroffScholarship Committee
- Melissa BriggsScholarship Committee
- Kristin DeltanoScholarship Committee
- Teresa SwitzerScholarship Committee
VOLUNTEERS
- Kathleen BrownWebsite
- Liat KochaviFairfield County Outreach
- Jenn BerlutiShoreline Outreach
- Amy MonticelloFinancial
- Koren IskraEditorial
- Connor ParkinsonConsultant
- Megan FragolaCRM & Campaigns
- Shawna PellegrinoFundraising Ambassador
- Meghan HamptonCanva / Communications
TEEN VOLUNTEERS
- AmelieTeen Volunteer
- BeccaTeen Volunteer
- MarenTeen Volunteer
- AudreyTeen Volunteer
- TaylanTeen Volunteer