As some of you know, our son Christian was diagnosed two years ago with type 1 diabetes. For the second year, we will be participating in the Walk to Cure Diabetes on Sunday, October 7th, 2007, to try to raise money for the cure.
Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, has an average onset of 12 years of age, however, I've talked to parents who have had children diagnosed as early as three months and as late as 17. There are also cases of adult onset type 1 diabetes, too. No matter how old the child is, the parent always feels the same about having to watch their children manage this disease (often the parents have to manage it for them, and our hearts go out to them). I get a pit in my stomach whenever I see my son wincing in pain from an insulin shot, or crying in frustration because he couldn't get enough blood on his test strip after three tries. His stomach is often spotted with bruises from when the needle hits the muscle tissue and is tender to the touch. We thank God everyday that this is a manageable disease, however we pray for the day when he no longer feels pain from it and we no longer have to worry about the serious, short and long-term complications from this disease.
There have been remarkable studies done within the past ten years that indicate that a cure is possible (gene therapy, stem cell-including non-embryonic, and islet cell transplantation without immuno-suppression). Within the last year, scientists learned how to reverse type 1 and 2 diabetes in rats with the use of pig islet cells. This is an amazing development and precursor to curing the disease in humans. The only problem is that it requires more research, studies and trials, all of which, cost money.
This is where you can help. Our family team, along with The Sacramento Craft Mafia team will be doing the 5K Walk to Cure Diabetes on Sunday, October 7th, 2007. You can help by donating anything possible to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Seriously, if times are tough, please give a dollar, if you have it. ANYTHING will help us get closer to the cure. Donations can be made directly to the JDRF by visiting the link below:
The Sacramento Craft Mafia donation page, or for those of you who would rather donate using a check or money order, please make them out to JDRF and either mail them to the name and address below:
Melody Claussen-Furry
P.O. Box 601116
Sacramento, CA 95860.
In addition, I've opened up an Etsy shop called the Sugarcube Society (click on banner below) where I plan to sell off most of my goods. All proceeds (after Etsy & Paypal fees) will go directly to the JDRF in order to reach the Sacramento Craft Mafia team goal. If anyone is interested in donating items to help support this cause, please email me at handmade.luck@yahoo.com
We sincerely thank you all!
The Furry family including: Melody (aka Handmade Luck), Rich, Madeline and Christian, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on July 21, 2005 at the age of 11.
