Drew's Dreams

Drew was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes four years ago today,  December 28, at the age of 17 months. We realized that he had diabetes by using his dad, John?s blood sugar tester.  Thankfully and sadly, we knew the symptoms of high blood sugar all too well. Drew?s dad, John has been a Type 1 Diabetic for eleven years.  Looking at him one morning, after wanting his third glass of water, we just knew. The blood sugar tester confirmed our worst fears

Having a toddler in diapers with diabetes is extremely challenging. He was wearing an insulin pump on his back before he was two years old.  However, having a five year old with diabetes is equally as challenging.  As he has gotten more verbal, he has learned to ask the tough questions: ?Why do I have to have diabetes?? ?Will I always have diabetes??

Each day, his blood sugar is tested between 8-12 times.  As his parents, we are constantly concerned about him? while he's awake and while he's asleep. We go nowhere without our cell phones, with the fear that the one time we leave it, our babysitter or pre-school teacher will not be able to get a hold of us. This disease does not take a rest, and because of this, neither do we. 

He wears his insulin pump 24-7, only taking it off to bathe.  The insulin pump delivers the medicine to his body, literally keeping him alive. 

Two years ago in February, we also learned that Drew also has Celiac disease, which is the inability for a body to tolerate gluten. (This condition is more common in Type 1 Diabetics, as it is also an auto-immune disease.) This has made eating even more difficult and "being different" even more obvious.  Which, as a parent, is the one thing you want for your children, right?  To be "normal"? 

As Drew gets older, we know that there are things about this disease that will get easier.  He will be able to do more of the checking and monitoring himself.  He will be able to feel the ?highs? and ?lows? and communicate this with us.  There will also be things about the disease that get harder.  Playing at friends houses; playing sports; and most of all? being more aware of how different he is from other kids.   

Although this disease is controllable, and he can lead a very "normal" life?  there is nothing normal about what he has to go through each day.  Through it all though, Drew is more amazing to us than ever. He is spirited, tough and extremely courageous!

As a parent, we all entrust our kids? lives to others each day.  Daycare providers, teachers, coaches, etc.  As a parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, the significance of what you are entrusting others to do can sometimes take your breath away.  What if something goes wrong?  What if he gets too much insulin and slips into a coma?  What if? 

We are extremely optimistic that within Drew's lifetime, and hopefully within John's, there will be a cure for this terrible disease. As a family, we are walking in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) walk on Saturday, Jan. 28, under the team name of "Drew's Dreams." The walk is held at the Empire Mall at 10:00 a.m. 

Thank you to each of you who has donated in the past.  Last year, we raised more than $4,500, and we would love to do even more this year!  If you are interested in walking with our team, please let me know, and I will help you get registered. 

Please consider walking with our team on Jan. 28 and giving to this very important and worthwhile cause. The money raised WILL help find a cure, which can make Drew's life, and the more than 15,000 other kids' lives who are diagnosed each year normal again.

Let's all work so that someday no child has to cry to their mom, saying: "Will I always have diabetes?? 

You can donate by going to: http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/drewsdreams. 

If you feel more comfortable, please send a check made out to JDRF to our home at 108 W. 21st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105.  Remember, this donation is tax-deductible! 

Thank you so much for your donation-- it truly does mean everything to us!