(quick sketch with Bic pen)

Many of you know the hero who lives in our home. You’ve read about her diagnosis six years ago, the ups and downs of living with Type 1 Diabetes, her bravery and courage in the face of the daily challenges of managing the disease, and the Walk we look forward to each year rallying friends and family to support our hero and all the heroes of juvenile diabetes.

Since the age of 7, Maddie has become intimately acquainted with the discoveries and helps JDRF has brought about to make living with T1D possible. Blood sugar testing devices, insulin, shots and a pump. These are all the weapons with which our hero fights back the debilitating effects of out-of-control blood sugars. Her ongoing commitment to use these fools not only enables her to LIVE, but to live well and healthy. We are grateful beyond words for her and for JDRF.

In this last year, Maddie has added to her arsenal of Type 1 weaponry. she now wears on her body not one, but two insets–one for her insulin pump and now another for a CGM. The Continuous Glucose Monitor, shows us the trends in her blood sugar levels as it continually gauges them via the interstitial tissue. The monitor also sounds an alarm when her blood sugars hit levels either too high or too low, thus alerting her to test her blood sugar and make the necessary adjustment to bring her blood sugars back to a healthier level.

It was Maddie who wanted this new device. Over the last couple of years, she had noticed (as well as Randy and I, her parents) that she was not able to feel when her blood sugars were low until they got down to a scary level. She used to be able to feel it when her blood sugars were in the 70’s and 60’s. Now she sometimes hasn’t a clue until her blood sugars are in the 40’s! We were impressed and amazed that a 13-year-old would want yet another device to wear, keep up with, and manage.

She truly is a hero. Our hero. By saying that, I do not mean that she is impervious to discouragement and frustration. This is how I define a hero:

One who continues fighting the good fight, day in and day out, in the face of challenges of all kinds–discouragement, frustration, discomfort, and even others’ misunderstandings.

On November 7th we Walk in support of our hero and on behalf of all the other brave and courageous families and children affected by Type 1 Diabetes. We invite you to join us! Your contribution to JDRF will continue the ongoing research to create better tools for managing T1D and for finding a Cure! So many wonderful things are on the horizon! We appreciate any support you can offer!!

Click here to make a donation to JDRF in Maddie’s honor

and/or sign up to walk with us on November 7th.