I started this year’s JDRF Walk letter writing
of all the happy things about Grace, ending with a little note of how diabetes
affects her life. I used the same type of upbeat tone last year. Then, I considered
the reality of living with diabetes…there isn’t much that is “upbeat.”
Grace’s life with diabetes is NOT different this year. Her body
still doesn’t produce insulin, which means wearing a pump, checking her blood
sugar at least five times a day and making sure to count carbs for everything
she eats. We still check Grace’s blood sugar in the middle of the night,
sometimes waking her up to eat something for a low reading. Grace still has to
go home from having fun sometimes, due to issues with diabetes care. We still
get scared when Grace gets sick, because a simple illness like the flu could mean a
hospital visit. Not so upbeat.
The major difference for Grace this year is starting a new school.
She has to explain all over again about that “thing” on her arm or leg, which
is the pod with her insulin. Then there are the questions about finger pricks
during the school day and the trips to the nurse’s office. Being different in
middle school for any reason…not upbeat at all.
While Grace’s life with T1D may not have changed much in the past
year, JDRF has helped make great strides in making life better for her and all
those with Type 1 diabetes (now referred to as T1D). And, until there is a
cure, research discovers ways to improve the lives of people with T1D. JDRF is the leading global organization
funding that research (over 100 million dollars last year), and 85% of the
funds raised goes directly to research. Included in this letter
is a research snapshot from this past year about what JDRF has helped make
happen.
Please consider making a donation to JDRF during the Walk to
Cure Diabetes, an event that offers an “upbeat” day for people with T1D. And,
if you live locally, consider joining us during a fun day to walk on September
28th at Bicentennial Mall in downtown Nashville.
You
can donate or register to participate with Grace’s Team online at http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR/Walk-TN/Chapter-MiddleTennessee4622?team_id=129906&pg=team&fr_id=2358.
Or, you can mail a check to the JDRF of Middle Tennessee office at
105 Westpark Drive, Suite 415, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027, with Grace Kueker
written in the memo line.
As always, thanks so much for your support.
Best –
Monique, Mike, Grace and Claire Kueker
