Walk to Cure Diabetes

This year I had the privilege of teaching Maggie and John in my kindergarten class. Maggie and John both have Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. What this means for them is that because their pancreas's do not produce insulin on their own they have to carefully monitor their blood sugar and inject themselves with insulin several times a day. Since they were diagnosed at about 3 years old, their parents and now they prick their finger for blood 10+ times a day to maintain healthy sugar levels. When they started kindergarten we began working them towards being more independent in caring for their disease. Maggie jumped right in and can even use her own insulin pump (with adult guidance and observation) and although John needed a little extra time to focus on the task at hand (he is a little BOY, after all) they were checking themselves in the classroom multiple times a day within a few months. Of course, I have learned an ENORMOUS amount about how serious diabetes is, how to care for yourself, and what a scary thing it can be.

The neatest thing though, has been getting to know these children and their families. I have been so blessed to watch these parents work so hard and sacrifice to keep their kids so healthy that they are having a wonderful childhood, participating in every activity and experience a kid should. An outsider would never know that Maggie and John have a life-threatening disease that requires constant vigilance.

Maggie- very intelligent, quite the thinker, always showering me with hugs and now Grayson with kisses. She has two younger brothers (one born 3 days after Grayson) and is a great helper to Mom. Sometimes we catch her getting John's stuff ready for him to check and cleaning up after him! :)

John- always wants to do the right thing- very black and white, and wants to make sure everyone else is doing the right thing too (but surprisingly not in an annoying way, he is just genuinely concerned), very smart and can read people, quite the ladies man.

On Sunday, June 7th our family will be participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for the Cure. I am walking for John's Buddies Team and Joe will walk for Maggie's Muscle Team. Grayson will be there to look cute. Of course, we are raising money for research and it is SUPER easy to donate! We would really appreciate a donation of even $5 or $10. To donate for Maggie's Muscle click here. To donate for John's Buddies click here. THANK YOU!

And now, pictures of Grayson, as we haven't put new ones up in awhile.

Meeting a new friend, Taylor. Look at that smile- he's all about the ladies!

Already starting to work that lip!



After eating I sometimes sit him on the couch to help with his reflux. If he falls over he usually screams; this day he was so tired he fell face down and just stayed there.

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!