In 2015, Kyle Banks received a life-changing diagnosis: type 1 diabetes. As an adult performer in Disney’s The Lion King musical, Banks struggled to manage his blood sugar during demanding stage routines. Amid intense fatigue and dangerous drops in glucose levels, he turned to Manning Family Children’s (formerly Children’s Hospital New Orleans) seeking insight on how young patients navigated life with the disease. The response he received was overwhelming—an entire endocrinology team welcomed him with open arms, eager to share their struggles and the unique challenges faced by marginalized children under their care.
“They were just so excited that someone cared,” Banks says, “and they shared with me how the kids aren’t really doing that well with management as well, especially the kids of color.” That pivotal meeting would lead to the creation of Kyler Cares.
Headquartered in New Orleans and serving families across the country, Kyler Cares is a nonprofit organization committed to improving health outcomes for individuals (particularly children of color) from underserved communities living with type 1 diabetes. The organization began by providing grants to help families afford life-saving diabetes technology like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps. Since then, it has expanded into a wide-reaching resource network that offers support, education, and access to care.
As CEO, Banks leads a growing team of nine dedicated staff members, including health coaches, social workers, and community developers. Together, they provide wraparound services that address the social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing instability, both of which can severely impact a family’s ability to manage a chronic condition like diabetes.
Creating Connections, Changing Lives
Kyler Cares doesn’t just distribute technology—it builds community. One of the organization’s core missions is to foster meaningful connections among families facing similar challenges. Through local and national events, monthly virtual meetups, and partnerships with leading hospitals, including Ochsner, LCMC, and Manning Family Children’s, Kyler Cares equips families with both information and support. These gatherings connect participants with experts, share current diabetes management strategies, and create opportunities for peer-to-peer encouragement.
The organization’s impact also extends into the clinical and educational sectors. Kyler Cares partners with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to increase participation in vital diabetes research, including a groundbreaking clinical trial aimed at restoring hypoglycemia awareness in long-term patients. Additionally, the nonprofit works with school systems around the country to bring comprehensive diabetes education and support to public schools. Current programs are active in New York City and Detroit, with more cities—including Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando—on the horizon.
Building a Healthier New Orleans
Despite success in major urban areas, Banks has his sights set on bringing the school-based program to his hometown of New Orleans. The city’s complex network of independent charter schools presents logistical hurdles, but the organization remains committed to expanding locally.
“Our biggest goal, honestly, is just what our mission says,” Banks explains. “[To] improve health outcomes.” By reaching students early and building lifelong habits of effective diabetes management, Kyler Cares hopes to cultivate a new generation of empowered youth ready to advocate for themselves and others. Still, with rapid growth, the need for financial support remains pressing.
Support Beyond Diagnosis
Kyler Cares encourages the community to get involved by attending events, donating, or participating in its virtual link-ups: monthly educational sessions co-hosted with Irielle Banks, a nurse practitioner who leads the diabetes clinic at Ochsner’s Jefferson Highway location. These meetups provide the latest insights into diabetes care and offer a chance for participants to hear from experts and connect with others facing similar journeys.
In August, Kyler Cares will host its annual Kyler Cares Cookout at Audubon Park, one of the organization’s most anticipated community events. The cookout celebrates families living with type 1 diabetes, providing a chance for them to relax, learn, and connect with medical professionals and technology providers in a festive, family-friendly environment.
“[Type 1 diabetes] does not have to keep you from doing the things you want to do in life or setting goals or anything you want to achieve,” Banks says. “You can still do all those things… but managing it properly is the way to get there.”
At its heart, Kyler Cares is about more than just medical tools and clinical data—it’s about empowering families, amplifying unheard voices, and reminding children living with type 1 diabetes that their diagnosis does not define them. With the right support, resources, and sense of community, they can live full, healthy lives and achieve anything they set their minds to. Visit kylercares.org to see how you can get involved today.
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