This article was co-written by seniors Elizabeth Porter and Eleanor Asma.
Hopefully, you noticed the strings of paper shoes hanging in the lower commons last week. Maybe you even donated a dollar and wrote your name on one of them. But did you know what they represented and what your money went towards?
JDRF stands for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Despite the name, Type 1 Diabetes affects children and adults. JDRF raises money to fund research for a cure as well as improved treatments to make life with T1D easier and healthier for the 1.25 million Americans living with it.
As many people know there are two types of diabetes — Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 accounts for the vast majority of those with diabetes, preventing those who have it from properly utilising insulin in the body. It usually affects older people. Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as insulin dependent diabetes, makes up for a much smaller portion of those with diabetes and it cannot be prevented. It is caused by the inability for cells in the pancreas to produce insulin, a much needed resource for the basic functioning of the human body. Without insulin, cells are unable to absorb sugar, which they need to produce energy.
A representative of JDRF reached out to Mr. Moorhead and asked if LFHS would be able to help raise money for this very important cause. Mr. Soprych’s TA Training classes took up the challenge. They sold paper shoes for $1 each, collectively raising over $1,200.
The shoes that were clearly displayed hanging across the commons have an extremely symbolic meaning to those who live alongside diabetes. Diabetic nerve injury can often times cause numbness in the legs and feet, potentially resulting in amputation. Additionally, the shoes bring awareness for the The Walk to Cure Diabetes which is their largest national fundraising event that takes place in more than 200 cities around the world.
Juvenile Diabetes struck a personal chord for the LFHS community this fall because coincidentally, Ms. O’Donnell’s daughter was diagnosed with T1D a few weeks after the fundraiser was organized. Ellery is 4 years old and a great representation of how strong young children can live with T1D, despite the hardships.
JDRF gave Ellery a Bag of Hope, which contained useful items to help children understand diabetes such as a carbohydrate fact book, measuring cup and coloring book. They also gave her a bear named Rufus who has designated patches for insulin injections and blood glucose tests.
As families such as Ms. O’Donnell’s anxiously await a cure, they adapt to life knowing that their children will be insulin dependent for the rest of their lives. Ms. O’Donnell has lunch at Little Scouts Preschool with Ellery every day because she needs an insulin shot when she eats. Ellery has blood glucose checks every 2 hours, including at night.
There are many other members of the LFHS community who live with T1D, so it is important to raise awareness about this commonly misunderstood condition. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. If you want to learn more about Type 1 Diabetes or get involved with JDRF, check out http://www.jdrf.org/.
