Rob's Personal Page

Join me in the fight to cure, better treat and prevent type 1 diabetes!

 You may not know that our son Mike was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on October 5th, 2011.  Mike was 11 years old. 

When we left the hospital we went to Wal-Mart to buy containers for his syringes and insulin.  (we were going to be so organized and control the whole situation). I remember looking down a food isle and everything looked so different. I cannot explain it.  It was surreal. 

Imagine having to plan every meal or liquid consumption.  What would it mean if you had to consider the temperature outside as extreme heat or cold burns sugar very quickly?  Running around outside on a hot summer day will drop blood sugar quickly as we have we found out.. Just think-our activity or lack of it impacts how we regulate insulin and the sugar in our body-his body does not.  A simple basketball game is managed differently than standing in soccer net.  Think about what happens when the coach moves you to sweeper at half time and now you’re running all game?  Skiing means watching for lows hours after a day on the slopes.   A high at night can put Mike into Ketoacidosis, causing the organs to shut down before you wake up.  A low without a correction is something we never want to experience. Mike has to think about insulin to carbohydrate intake ratios all day, every day.  He has to check his blood sugar at least 6 times a day by pricking his finger, 2200 times a year.  

Everyone around Mike does not have to think about any of this. Many around Mike do not know this is how Mike lives his life.  Mike can never be off.  But here is the great news. Mike goes about everyday managing this disease so well, his life depends on it, with a great positive outlook.  The good news is that Mike is in great health.  Mike had to grow up fast.  The reality is that if you ask people with T1D, they will tell you it is difficult and life threatening.  And as of today they know they will have to live with Type 1 the rest of their lives.

Did you know that:

• T1D is an autoimmune disease that comes on suddenly and strikes both children and adults at any age?
• T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle?
• Those living with T1D must carefully balance insulin doses with eating and daily activities throughout the day and night?
• Those living with T1D must test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood 6 or more times a day?

So this July I will ride 100 miles through Vermont as part of JDRF's Ride to Cure Diabetes.  Along with hundreds of other riders across the country I am contributing to improve the lives of all people affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D).  Would you consider supporting my goal of raising ten thousand dollars?  I am asking 100 of my friends for $100 dollars each.  I will be grateful for any amount you are able to give.  No matter the amount, I will each of you by name on my shirt and take you with me.  I am asking for your support.  Please donate to my personal fundraising efforts.  By doing so, you can help me make a difference for millions of people living with type 1 diabetes.

As the leader of the type 1 diabetes community, JDRF unifies global efforts to cure, treat and prevent T1D.  JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered.  Won't you please give to JDRF as generously as possible?

Thank you for your support!

Rob and Mike and the whole Card family.

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