My Life's Snapshots: JDRF WALK FOR A CURE!

April 19, 2013, I wake up and start getting ready for my day, just as I do every morning. I quickly checked my email and nearly passed out. My youngest nephew Cameron, was fighting the battle for his life, his parents and grandparents by his side, thanking God for every breath he took. I knew he had been home from school sick all week, I never dreamed he would look so frail, so lifeless, lying there in that hospital bed. But this story isn't about me, its about Cameron. Let me introduce you again to Cameron.

A year ago, Cameron was an eight year old little boy. Looking at him, he didn't stand out in a crowd. A good student that enjoyed spending time in the woods with grandpa, riding bikes with his friends and that lived for soccer. Just an average ordinary eight year old. April 2013 though, that all changed. Cameron got sick. At first, it was just a stomach bug, but instead of getting better, the days passed and Cameron grew sicker, until one night that full of life little boy was lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life. The diagnosis was quickly made, Cameron had Type 1 diabetes. His blood sugar was at 1039...blood sugar ranges in the 90s is where it should have been. Throughout the night, the numbers miraculously went down. That morning brought new challenges to this little boy so full of life. He began to learn about insulin, blood sugar, and was forced to become a math whiz, whether he wanted to or not. He learned a new vocabulary of lantus shots and carb counts. The doctors said he would be in the hospital for a week, but Cameron was not to be kept down that long. He recovered enough and was sent home within a couple days. He returned to the soccer field having not had to miss a single game. But the normal life he had previously known was no longer his. Meals couldn't be skipped or delayed. Snacks had to be timed, no longer consuming anything just because he was hungry. He couldn't attend the after school program that he had gone to for years. Birthday parties, or even just a night at a friends house involved a parent tagging along or extensive education of the friends parents that would care for him. To make things even more complicated, in June Cameron was also diagnosed with Celiac disease, a disease where his body does not tolerate gluten. So the breads, cakes, cookies and pasta that kids love became on a forbidden foods list. There are alternatives, but it isn't easy. And through it all, Cameron has continued to love soccer, do well in school (probably could do better than most high schoolers at math in their heads!) and just try to be as average of a kid as he can. And he never complains, even when he can't have seconds, as everyone around him pigs out. As he goes from feeling great to incredibly low blood sugar in a matter of minutes. We all think it, but never hear Cameron say it, but it isn't fair.

This May, the juvenile Diabetes Research foundation of the ozarks is holding a fundraising walk for a cure, to raise money to find a cure, not just management, for this cruel disease. Will you support kids like Cameron by making a donation? Because it's not just an inconvenience when you have diabetes, it's a roller coaster ride with the illness in charge. It still takes lives of children.

A year has passed since the diagnosis. JDRF is no longer just four letters of the alphabet, those four letters hold the hope that a cure for type 1 diabetes will be found. Hope that what could be a minor stomach bug would once again just be a minor stomach bug, not something that messes up blood sugar levels and becomes a life or death issue.

JDRF is the only organization with a strategic plan to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. Through their efforts, the disease is somewhat manageable now and families dealing with the disease have a support system and researchers working diligently on their behalf. Type 1 diabetes can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime, not just children, and obesity plays no part.

This week marks the one year anniversary of Cameron's diagnosis and three weeks until the JDRF of the Ozarks holds their annual Walk for a Cure.

In an effort to support research for a cure for T1D, I have three options for you to assist with fundraising. First, there are almost 20 listings on ebay this week. Just search "hikingpj" and all the listings should appear. Or to make it simple, follow this link. http://www.ebay.com/sch/hikingpj/m.html?_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

Second, you can purchase from my LillaRose fundraiser. 20% of purchase price will go directly to JDRF. if you are unfamiliar with LillaRose, they are beautiful hair accessories. Purchase through this link to support JDRF. https://www.lillarose.biz/parties/4467

Third, since Frozen has become HUGE and you can't find an Elsa dress anywhere, go to http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/dress-inspired-by-disneys-frozen-elsa/83810 and purchase the pattern. $5 of each sale until April 21 will go to JDRF.

Finally, you can make a monetary donation of any amount. If you do not wish to do the online donation, contact me and I can get it in another form from you. For an online donation, simply go to http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/emilychristine

Together with your support and prayers, a cure can be found.

A HUGE thank you to the many contributors of the ebay auction.

Wild Animal Safari, Strafford, MO www.missouri.animalsafari.com

Desiree Marvin

Soccer.com www.soccer.com

Price Cutter grocery stores www.pricecutteronline.com

Tinyprints.com a division of Shutterfly www.tinyprints.com

Fundraisingrides.com www.fundraisingrides.com

Perrie Hudson, Country Living Representative

Amber Wilson, Arbonne Representative

Lamberts Café, Ozark, MO www.throwedrolls.com

Stained Glass Theater, Ozark, MO www.sgtheatre.com