One T1D Warrior, One Loyal Best Friend, and a Lifetime of Adventure.

Welcome to the Adventures of Buck and Chuck

Life with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a journey of finger sticks, carb counting, and constant vigilance—but it’s also a journey made better by the people who stand by your side.

Buck and Chuck are the ultimate duo. Buck is a 10-year-old living with T1D, and Chuck is his "ride-or-die" best friend. Chuck may not have a broken pancreas, but he has a heart big enough to learn every carb count, recognize every "low" symptom, and make sure Buck never feels like he’s fighting alone.

Their unique bond—built on empathy, humor, and pure friendship—moved Buck’s 16-year-old sister to chronicle their lives in a series of books that celebrate what it truly means to be a friend.

Briar's Motivation

My name is Briar O’Donnell, and I am a 17-year-old student at Notre Dame Preparatory High School. I created a children’s adventure series called The Adventures of Buck and Chuck. The stories were inspired by my younger brother, Brick, who lives with Type 1 Diabetes, and his best friend, Charlie, who does not.

Last summer, a Type 1 Barbie Doll came out. I saw the extremely positive impact it had on many young girls living with Type 1. Many of the girls were overcome with emotion from getting the doll. It made me think that they were very underrepresented in popular culture and what could I do to positively affect that. After much brainstorming, I created The Adventures of Buck and Chuck.

The series follows the adventures of two best friends as they navigate everyday life, exciting experiences, and the challenges that come with Type 1 Diabetes. The stories are based on real-life adventures our family has experienced and show how life changes after a Type 1 diagnosis while still focusing on friendship, resilience, humor, and adventure.

I created the project over the course of my junior year of high school. My goal is to help children and families feel seen, understood, and less alone while also educating people who may not fully understand what living with Type 1 Diabetes looks like day to day.

When Brick was first diagnosed, I was shocked at how little people knew and understood what Type 1 was or what it meant for our family. These books not only make kids with Type 1 feel seen, but also serve to educate their friends, family and siblings.

Why We’re Here

This website is a home for families who know that T1D affects more than just the person with the diagnosis—it affects the whole "village." We are here to educate, inspire, and provide a sense of community.

  • Discover the Books: Explore the series written by a big sister who watched her brother and his best friend take on the world, proving that T1D is just a part of the story, not the whole story.

  • Learn the Ropes: Access a library of resources designed to help parents, siblings, and friends understand the daily reality of Type 1 Diabetes.

  • Support the Mission: Purchase The Adventures of Buck and Chuck to help us share this story of friendship and awareness with families everywhere.

"T1D might be a part of Buck's life, but with a friend like Chuck, it's just another part of the adventure."

100% of the proceeds go directly toward Type 1 Diabetes research and providing supplies to those in need.

We created this book for kids with Type 1 Diabetes and the families who support them. If that's you, please reach out and we would be honored to send you a free copy. Please email Claire@odonnelltrust.com.

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Testimonials

T1D Mom:

The Adventures of Buck and Chuck has been such a meaningful series for our family. As the mother of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, I am always looking for books tThe Adventures of Buck and Chuck has been such a meaningful series for our family. As the mother of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, I am always looking for books that help my child feel understood and represented. Seeing Buck manage his T1D while still having fun, trying new things, and going on exciting adventures reminds my child that diabetes does not have to hold them back.hat help my child feel understood and represented. Seeing Buck manage his T1D while still having fun, trying new things, and going on exciting adventures reminds my child that diabetes does not have to hold them back.

When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the first thing a family needs is reassurance. Through friendly characters and a story that feels like an adventure rather than a lesson, The Adventures of Buck and Chuck helps children see that living with T1D doesn't make them different or alone. For parents and caregivers, it opens the door to conversations that can be hard to start, and it gives siblings, classmates, and relatives a gentle, accessible way to understand what a loved one is facing every day.

The Breakthrough T1D Southwest Territory is happy to partner with Briar O’Donnell and her family to reach our T1D community with an inspirational message on the journey toward a world without T1D.

Michael Simoni
Territory Executive
Breakthrough T1D Southwest Territory

T1D Mom:

We love the Buck & Chuck books! One of my favorite things about them is that they aren’t really about type 1 diabetes. They’re about kids doing fun things who also happen to have diabetes.

Diabetes doesn’t take away from the characters’ personalities it’s just one more thing that makes them who they are. And I love that Chuck is simply good a friend. Who helps when needed, but diabetes isn’t what defines their friendship.

I think our favorite is Buck & Chuck Go Surfing because surfing is definitely not something we get to do here in Chicago! Morgan got to learn about something totally new and something we could maybe even try on vacation someday.

They’re just happy, fun, easy-to-read books for a seven year old, with great type 1 diabetes representation woven in naturally. Easy to read, easy to share, and exactly the kind of representation we love.

Medical Disclaimer:

The content on this website, including The Adventures of Buck and Chuck book series and any linked resources, is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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Get in touch with the Author

briar@odonnelltrust.com