Alicia's Personal Page

Like any other 5 1/2 year old, Nathaniel enjoyed school, playing with his brothers and taking trips to his grandparents' lake home in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  However, as Nathaniel said, "One night, I went potty 3 times, and that wasn't normal.  I had to go to the hospital, and I had diabetes."

That was the beginning of the journey for all of us.

On March 20, we took the boys over to their Brapa Lieberherr's house.  We knew he had a glucometer, so we decided to do some blood glucose checks just to make sure that we weren't going crazy.  We checked Maximus, Mom, and Nathaniel's blood sugars.  Maximus was at 80 mg/DL (normal), Mom was at 102 mg/dL (also normal) and Nathaniel was at 313 mg/dL (HIGH).  We had all had the same dinner and same amount of dinner.  Mom called the doctor's office immediately, and got Nathaniel in for the next day.  It was then that we found out that Nathaniel's A1C was 8.5%.  Normal range would be 4.0% - 5.6%.  It was time to talk to Nathaniel and let him know that he had type 1 diabetes.

It has been 9 months since his diagnosis.  We have had a lot of learning in those months, but the biggest thing we have learned is how resilient Nathaniel is to such a life change.  Nathaniel can check his own blood glucose levels now, and we are hoping to get him on the pump in the beginning of 2013.

As one of my good friends says, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"  That's what we intend to do! :)

As a family, we will be taking part in this year's JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes.  It will be held on February 23 at the Mall of America.  We are doing this walk to raise funds to improve the lives of all people affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D).  If you ask people with T1D, they will tell you that it is difficult and life threatening.  They also know that it never goes away.

We are asking for your support.  Please donate to our special fundraising efforts.  By doing so,  you can help us make a difference for millions of people living with type 1 diabetes... people like Nathaniel!

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?

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!

Sincerely,
Nathaniel (Hopsie) Tillman and his family!

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