30,660.
840.
These may seem like random numbers, but to our son Will, they have a far more significant meaning. Will was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just three months after his first birthday. Since that day he has pricked his finger approximately 30,660 times to check his blood sugar. He has also changed his insulin pump (another process that involves a needle stick) approximately 840 times. This amazing child is only 8 years old. While you may expect diabetes to constantly weigh on him, the positive attitude and maturity with which he handles his disease is truly inspiring. Although we strive to make Will’s world one in which he is a boy first and a diabetic second, the disease plays a pervasive role in every aspect of his life. Not a day passes that does not begin and end with thoughts and concerns about diabetes. Will plays a lot of roles in his life – son, student, friend, and athlete to name a few. By far the most important role that Will plays is that of big brother to his sister Sophie.
This role became even more important on November 5, 2011.
Unfortunately, on this day Sophie was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes shortly before her fourth birthday. Sophie has her own set of numbers. She has pricked her finger approximately 8,760 times. She has changed her insulin pump 240 times in just two years. With Will’s careful guidance and support, Sophie adapted to her diagnosis very well. She too plays a lot of roles – daughter, student, gymnast, dancer. She has a love for life that is contagious and has refused to let diabetes dampen her spirit.
Diabetes is a disease that can only be managed. Currently there is no cure. We have learned to live with this disease, but it remains a constant source of worry in our lives. Diabetes is a disease that follows no patterns. The frustration in this process can be overwhelming. Until there is a cure, we will continue to face this disease one finger stick at a time.
Fortunately, there is hope for a future without diabetes. There is one organization that has filled our lives, and the lives of countless other families touched by diabetes, with this hope. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF, is a leader in funding the research that will eventually cure this disease.
The Indiana State Chapter of JDRF is holding its annual Promise Gala on April 12th, 2014. This is an amazing event that includes great food, great company, and an incredible auction with once in a lifetime items. Part of the evening includes a Fund A Cure auction - 100% of proceeds raised go directly to research. Please join us in supporting this incredible organization by purchasing a ticket (click here) to the event or making a donation, using the link above.
Together we will turn type 1 into type none!
Sincerely,
Todd, Amy, Will and Sophie