Search Results for: blog our walk to cure diabetes scrapbook

Giving of Ourselves (Ouch!) for Research

Last Wednesday, my four sons and I drove to the University of Utah Pediatric Diabetic Clinic to participate in a medical study called “The Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium.” Since two of my sons are diabetic and two are not, we are in a unique position to help researchers find clues about possible causes of juvenile diabetes. Each of our blood samples would be compared and screened for genetic markers which would indicate a risk of contracting this mysterious disease. Of course, that meant “giving of ourselves,” like our time, effort, and of course, our DNA. “It’s going to hurt…” … Continue reading →

Our “WALK TO CURE DIABETES” Scrapbook

Today our family walked to cure diabetes! We got up bright and early and drove for an hour to our destination. (I had to yank and coax and threaten a few kids to get out of bed.) But once we got there, we were so glad we made the effort. Now that I have two sons with juvenile diabetes, I knew our family needed to take a stronger stand in joining the cause to cure it. We made a donation, and others offered their support. This is a disease which takes a terrible toll on a child’s health and well-being. … Continue reading →

No More Excuses…A Type 1 Diabetic Climbs Mount Everest!

Since I have two sons with juvenile diabetes, I often hear “I’m a diabetic,” excuses. “Mom, I have to eat this cupcake right NOW. My bloodsugar is low.” “Mom, can’t you excuse me from the 1.5 mile run at school, since I’m a diabetic?” Well, now I’m armed with proof positive that diabetics can do anything. And I mean anything. Will Cross doesn’t let chronic illness get in the way of achieving his dreams. Thirty years ago he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes (type I) at the age of nine. Now, a 39-year-old father of six, he became the first … Continue reading →

A Little Hope Over Lunch…

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have lunch with the Executive Director of the Utah Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Another children’s book writer and I are pitching the idea of creating some illustrated books which could perhaps go into the “Bags of Hope” which are given to newly-diagnosed kids. All of our work would be donations to the cause. I’m excited about the project and the director seemed very receptive and encouraging. As we spoke over lunch, we talked about my two sons with juvenile diabetes. The director told me she could “count on one hand” the … Continue reading →

Topical Whensday: When Will YOU Tee On to Cause an Effect?

It’s Wednesday and a GREAT day to wear that cause related Tee Shirt that you bought to support a worthy group. Where is it now? Stuffed in the back of the cupboard or in the pyjama drawer? When will you drag it out? Today is WHENSDAY, the perfect day to find it. In Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia, every Friday is Tropical Friday. A town that thrives on tropical and eco tourism, business houses, staff and individuals challenge each other to don the antithesis of formal dress: to frolic in the relaxed attire of holiday bliss, the tropical shirt and … Continue reading →

A Glass of Water May Make the Burden of Child Sexual Assault Too Heavy.

The same student that sent the Donkey Story also sent me this poignant story about stress management: A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, “How heavy is this glass of water?” Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll … Continue reading →