Sunday, September 20, 2009


Some of you might not know that our oldest daughter Madison was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January. This was overwhelming to realize that she will have this disease for the rest of her life, but Madison has made this adjustment very easy for all of us because she has been AMAZING! First, we had to spend 3 days in the hospital learning how to take care of her diabetes. She tests her blood sugar by pricking her finger 4 or 5 times a day. She has to have a shot before she eats anything. After only a week, Madison asked if she could do the shots all by herself. We were so impressed! Soon she will wear a pump that will give her a continuous infusion of insulin. Insulin allows her to stay alive, but it doesn’t cure her diabetes or prevent its eventual and devastating effects: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations, heart attack, and stroke. (We try not to think about these long-term complications). We are thankful for the medical advances that make it easier for us to manage her diabetes, but we hope and pray for a cure during her lifetime.

We have decided to join the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Founded in 1970 by parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research worldwide. Yep, that’s right, we’re asking for money. :) One of the JDRF’s largest fundraising events is the “Walk to Cure Diabetes”. We have formed a walking team called Madison’s Marvelous Crew and will be participating in this 5K walk at Scera Park on Saturday, September 26 at 9:30 am. There will be live entertainment, face painting, a rock wall, inflatables, and plenty of food and refreshments. We would like to ask for your support. If you are interested, there are two ways you can make a difference:

· You can join our walk team, known as Madison’s Marvelous Crew, and collect pledges and walk with us. Please register at http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87374788
· You can make a tax-deductible donation by credit card online by going to http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87374788 or by sending a check made payable to JDRF to us at 1431 S 730 W, Payson, UT 84651 (we will deliver any donations made in Madison’s honor the morning of the Walk).

Thanks to everyone for your love, support, and encouragement!
P.S. The picture above represents how many shots Madison takes in a month to stay alive.