Melissa Smith, a T1D mom, shares how her daughter draws strength from JDRF Powered by Kids and offers families and schools a chance to make a difference in their community.
On October 10, 2016, my daughter Savannah was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). She was rushed from the pediatrician to the hospital where she was immediately sent to the ICU. Now, Savannah has to prick her fingers every day to check her blood sugar (although we did start using the Dexcom CGM recently), takes multiple insulin injections a day, and count carbs for every meal and snack.
Luckily, Savannah, now 7 years old, has an unbelievable support system. Her family, friends, school, and teammates make every day special with their support and compassion. Like any child living with T1D, Savannah has moments of “why me” but she has made it through two years of birthday parties, school, sleepovers and sports. And, while watching Savannah share her story to inspire adults and children alike makes us the proudest parents around, we would love to see a cure for T1D sooner than later.
JDRF Powered by Kids program gives us the power to educate, inspire and motivate.
It offers many ways for children, their schools and your community to discover how volunteerism and support make a difference for kids living with T1D.
Getting Savannah’s school involved with JDRF Powered by Kids was life-changing. At Savannah’s school we hold an assembly and walk for the students and raise so much awareness about type 1 diabetes. It’s amazing to see the support from the students and teachers year after year. My daughter and the rest of my family enjoy the energy and love from the entire school. Awareness is key.
The more people know, the more likely they are to understand and want to help create a world without T1D.
The in-school interactive assembly teaches students and staff about diabetes, the difference between type 1 and type 2, and allows everyone to ask questions about this disease. Your school chooses how they would like to raise funds for T1D research—host a walkathon and sneaker sale campaign at the school, participate as a team in the fall One Walk events, or create a JDRF Your Way campaign. The flexible fundraising options with digital tools lets your school do anything to teach students and staff about diabetes and help create a world without T1D.
Savannah feels empowered and hopeful because of her school’s involvement in the program:
“I have had diabetes for a little over two years and have helped with three JDRF assemblies and walks at my school. The walk makes me feel special because everyone is raising money to help find a cure for me! I can’t wait for a cure for all of my T1D friends!”
Please join me in helping our children make a difference!
Contact Stacy DiArchangel at sdiarchangel@jdrf.org or 732-945-1127 for resources and ways to get your school involved this year!