I support many causes and many charities for many reasons, and I don't generally hit up social media sites for them...so bear with me just this once.
As you can see by the video above...there is one cause that hits very close to home. A cause that has been my constant companion for many years. From the time I get up until I go to sleep, even in the dark hours of the night (yes, even when I'm writing), I don't--I can't--forget.
On Dec 5, 2007 my youngest daughter Kate was rushed to hospital. Within an hour she was sitting in a hospital bed, diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes and receiving her first insulin shot. She was five years old. We were lucky--we caught the disease early and Kate recovered quickly on a daily regime of at least four needles a day. She now tests her blood via finger-prick blood test from 8-12 times a day. That's 15,000 finger-pricks in her little fingertips over five years. Tens of thousands of dollars spent on supplies. Thousands of needles. Hundreds of doctors visits.
Diabetes is not fun, but with constant vigilance it can be managed...and Kate lives a relatively normal life. If she wants to do it, we find a way. She looks so normal, sometimes it's easy to forget the dangers and the risks. Her insulin pump and test kit are ALWAYS with her. Insulin is not a cure, and without it she would get very sick. Without insulin she could go into a coma, maybe even die. Amazing how much you come to love and hate that little vial of clear fluid!
So that's my spiel. If you can, please give to whatever diabetes research foundation you wish. On June 9th, 2013 I will be walking with Kate and our team, Donate 4 Kate in the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes in Ottawa, Ontario. JDRF is a world-wide organization that supports research towards a cure, and your donation could help us to throw that clear vial in the trash for good!
If you would like to donate to my Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes team, go HERE.
I will send a SIGNED paperback copy of my little self-published novel TREASURE IN THE FLAME to one lucky person!
To enter simply:
1) share this post on your twitter page, (follow me on twitter if you don't already...) and comment on this blog post below with the link so I can see it, AND
2) 'Like' my page on facebook- link HERE.
For an EXTRA entry, donate via the link above (any amount helps...even $5!) and let me know you've done so in the comments as well. I'll randomly select one lucky winner and contact you via DM on your twitter. Contest closes on June 10th.
Easy? I think so!
THANK YOU! From me, from Kate, and from the millions of kids and adults who depend on that little clear vial every day.
Great post, Brenda. My younger sister and I have both been Type 1 for years, so I have an idea of what your daughter experiences each day.
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to the post where I tweeted about the contest:
https://twitter.com/SG_Marsh/status/341964747299762178
All my best,
Sarah
Thank you so much Sarah! We're still relatively new to this...only 5 years in, but things are always changing for the better. Kate is the only T1 in her school, and we know very few others, so it's always nice to connect with those who've 'been there'! She's going to Diabetes Camp this year and is sooooooooo excited to meet some kids her age with the same problems. Thank you again, and good luck! :) Brenda
DeleteBrenda, I'm sorry to hear your daughter has this but glad that you are able to manage it so well. I have a number of people in my life with diabetes and see how it affects everyday life. Much love to you and Kate!
ReplyDeleteThank you Yelena! We don't let Diabetes get in our way, but there are times when it can get very stressful. Thanks for your support! :) :)
DeleteBig hugs to you and Kate! I had no idea you had a child living with diabetes. It can't be easy, but it's amazing to see the support and dedication to this cause. Will happily contribute. :D
ReplyDeleteBest wishes!
Tina
Aw, thanks Tina! I am so thankful every day that I connected with you and Yelena and our little crit group a few years ago! So many good things have come from it!! I don't generally talk a lot about Kate's juvenile diabetes, because, as I said above, we don't let it stop us! We go off grid camping, she rides horses, swims, bikes, dances...does everything an 11 year old would, only with insulin, test kit and glucose snacks on hand. Sometimes it gets scary, but we've been very lucky so far. Maybe someday I'll write a book about it. :) Thanks again, Tina. You are the absolute best. Brenda
DeleteI'm glad you caught the diabetes early, Brenda and I'm glad your daughter is doing well. I'll definitely share your post on twitter. Here goes...
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann Marie! Very much appreciated. :)
ReplyDelete