What do the above five children (the “High Five”) have in common? It is not that they all live in the Townline area of Alden or that they all attend the same school. These kids are all bonded together because they share the same disease, Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood-sugar levels. T1D is a 24/7 disease that requires constant management. These children must carefully balance insulin intake with mindful eating, exercise and other activities. They also measure blood-sugar levels through finger pricks, or by wearing a continuous glucose monitor. Even with a strict regimen, they can experience dangerously high or low blood-glucose levels that can, in extreme cases, be life threatening!
These children and their families take their disease and its management very seriously. The JDRF is doing research to lessen the impact of T1D on people’s lives. While this organization has already made great advancements, these children and their families are anticipating a day when a cure is found and there is an end to the daily struggle of fighting this disease.
They are asking the community to come together and join them at a fundraiser on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 2 – 5 pm at 41 Riley Street, East Aurora Healthy Zone Skate Park. There will be food, games, basket raffles and of skating. All proceeds go to the JDRF.