Our JDRF Family Walk letter 2011

     Type 1 diabetes stinks.


     JDRF is finding a cure.


     Please send them money.


This is a simple truth for me, but perhaps there is more for other folks to know....


     Type 1 diabetes really does stink.

Our dear Grace is one of over 3 million people in the United States who struggle every day to manage this disease. And, approximately 80 more are diagnosed with type 1 every day.

What does having type 1 diabetes look like for these people?

*  It means having to check their blood sugar before every meal, before exercise, before bed, and sometimes during the night. The number of finger pricks for Grace on a good day is 6...and on a bad day? Up to 15.

   * It means having to have shots or wear a pump. People with shots have to inject themselves with insulin at least 4 times a day. Grace has a pump, which we have loved because it means she only has an insertion change every three days, but the insertion needle is nearly an inch long, so that part still pretty much "stinks."

   * It means having to stop doing whatever it is the person is doing to take care. Oops, the reservoir of insulin is mostly empty? Have to go home. Great, the pump needs a new battery? Hope it lasts long enough to get one. Pump site pulled out? Have to get somewhere to put on another. Feeling low? Need to stop for a snack.

 And guess what? This is every hour, every day, every year, for the rest of Grace's life. 

What stinks the most these days for Grace is she really doesn't like diabetes anymore. Before, she kind of thought it was something special about her. Now, as she grows into an amazing pre-teen, it's not so cool. She is becoming more self-conscious about the gadgets that help her live. She wonders if there will be a day when she won't have diabetes. How do I give her that hope? By telling her....

 JDRF is finding a cure!

Yes, they are! Every year the JDRF raises money with the explicit goal of research for the cure, and 85% of the funds raised go directly to that research. Personally, I am pretty thrilled with what they do with the other 15%...they hire the most compassionate, dedicated people I have met, and they put on events for much-appreciated family support. I know from volunteering there every week that few pennies are wasted.

 JDRF's research has resulted in a number of improvements in the way people manage diabetes each day, including helping to bring new technologies to market like the continuous glucose monitor. Prior to JDRF's involvement, no insurance company was willing to cover this incredible device that monitors blood sugar and provides a reading every minute. JDRF's current work supports such projects as the Artificial Pancreas, where an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor communicate in order to read the body's blood glucose levels and automatically release insulin. This technology is going through human clinical trails right now, and could be available in as little as 3 years.

 Last (but never least), please send them money. 

Please. I always think even $1 could be that last dollar needed for the cure. I know there are different situations in our lives where a donation to JDRF isn't a priority right now. I also realize there are all kinds of things out there you may already support that "stink" more for other people. But, this one is the dearest to our hearts, so I will always feel compelled to ask. A friend visited with me recently about what my "pearl of great worth" is in the world (other than family and friends, of course). What would make me do everything I can, make me want to sacrifice the most I have. Thinking about it later, I realized JDRF is my "pearl of great worth." I won't stop advocating for them until there is a cure. 

 You can help us in many ways. Donate if you are able. Come join Grace's Team at the JDRF Walk in Nashville. Or pray for Grace, our family, and all of those affected by type 1 diabetes. Whatever you can do to support Grace and my "pearl of great worth," we truly thank you.

 With love and gratitude - The Kuekers