Ben's Personal Page

Hi and welcome to my personal JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes fundraising page! I am taking the steps to help achieve JDRF's mission: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.  I hope you will considering joining my team, raising money to support valuable reseach and showing your support for me on Walk Day. The JDRF Walk is a fantastic way to make a difference in the lives of millions of people like me affected by Type 1 Diabetes. For at least that one day, I'll look around and see all the support I have from my friends, family and community.  On Walk Day, everyone can have fun and celebrate how much closer to a cure we are because of their efforts.

As many of you know already, Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, without any known reason or a cure. It can lead to serious complications, including pretty scary stuff like heart disease, blindness, amputations, etc.  It's definitely an overwhelming disease to face every day  -- 24/7!  Since I was diagnosed 6 years ago, I have not had a single break - 2150 straight days and counting,  of 10 finger pricks plus the constant carbohydrate counting of every morsel of food I put in my mouth...day after day after day. Beyond the needles, carb counting, food weighing, etc.  -- there are also those everyday things that most kids take for granted that I need to deal with differently as a Type 1 diabetic.  Sleepovers aren't really possible since a low or high blood sugar in the middle of the night can cause seizures, a coma and/or a trip to the hospital. I've been playing lots of soccer lately and have to check my blood all the time. I've even had to sit out a few games because I couldn't get my blood sugar in a good range- something my teammates never have to worry about.

If you have taken the time to visit my team page today, I am asking for your support to help my wish for a cure come true. Please consider making a donation or joining my team.  To my neighbors and friends in Des Moines, I invite you to join my team on February 16th for the Walk for the Cure in downtown Des Moines. Just click the 'Join My Team' link. To make a team donation, click on the 'Donate to Ben' button at the top of this page.  By doing so, you can help make a difference not only for me, but for the millions of people living with Type 1 Diabetes.   Your support has and continues to mean so much to me and gives me hope of a cure coming soon.

Your generosity will be greatly appreciated and will help fund valuable research to find a cure.

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