January 14, 2019, started out as a typical day but would end with a diagnosis that would forever change our lives.  Our daughter Bella was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  At the time we honestly didn’t know anything about diabetes.  We thought that maybe she ate too much sugar.  We soon learned that type 1 diabetes wasn’t our fault or anything that she did wrong, it was an autoimmune disorder in which Bella’s pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. We were in shock! It didn’t run in our family and we didn’t know anyone with type 1.  Then, the journey of education began.  We learned so much information in the two days in the hospital and I ordered every book on Amazon related to type 1 diabetes.  I wanted to learn everything I could to help Bella in the best way possible.

Bella always had an amazing spirit throughout the whole thing! She is convinced that she was diagnosed with diabetes because God knew that she is strong and would use her diagnosis to help others.  That’s when we learned about becoming a Youth Ambassador for JDRF.  She was determined to help others and spread the word about the research that JDRF conducts.  We participated in the JDRF One walk last year, raising more than $2,500 to help fund the important research that JDRF does to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Our family is committed to raising awareness for type 1 diabetes and finding a cure.  JDRF is leading the fight against type 1 diabetes by funding research that is essential to finding cures for T1D.  We are hopeful for a future without type 1 diabetes and JDRF is going to the organization that does this.  With every dollar raised going to research, TYPE ONE will become TYPE NONE!!

-Kim Downey, Bella’s mom

Journey for T1D – Holiday Auction

You can help further the JDRF mission by participating in the Journey for T1D – Holiday Auction. Full of items perfect for entertaining, gift-giving, and spreading holiday cheer the Journey for T1D – Holiday Auction will offer creative and unique holiday giving auction packages. You will also be able to donate directly to research through Fund A Cure. Journey for T1D – Holiday Auction will take place November 9-13. Click the link here and register today!

Journey for T1D – Auction Catalog 

Take a peek through the Holiday Auction Catalog to preview some of the incredible items featured during the Journey for T1D – Holiday Auction. More items will be available for bidding during the Holiday Auction running November 9-13 so be sure to register today! Click the image below to flip through the Holiday Auction Catalog.