Riding to Cure Type 1 for Marlowe

Marlowe was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just a little over two years ago. Her pancreas stopped producing insulin and we had to switch to injections before every meal and at bedtime. You can imagine how hard it was for a child her age to learn how to deal with so many needles. We have to check her blood sugar every couple hours and before every meal or drink. She had to prick her finger to check her blood sugar level and at that time, then had to get an injection. That adds up to a lot of needles and sore spots. We have to switch where she gets her injections / checks her blood sugar because her body builds up callouses to try and protect itself.

Luckily Marlowe is incredibly brave.  She soon was giving herself her own injections and checking her blood sugars for us. We switched to an insulin pump which reduces the number of needles pricks and makes the measurement of insulin doses much easier. We still have to calculate/dose every gram of carbohydrates that she consumes. Sometimes the pump fails, always it seems at the most inopportune time. We still have many sleepless nights installing a new pump or managing a high blood sugar. The Insulin pump is amazing technology but it is no substitute for the pancreas. 

I am riding this year's El Tour de Tucson again with the JDRF team to raise money for Marlowe and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which is searching for a cure for Type 1 diabetes. All the money that I raise will be donated towards finding a cure.

Luckily my employer will double whatever I donate. Please help me however you can, by sharing this page and/or by donating. Every dollar counts as two. I appreciate your help! Together we can help in the search for a cure.

Thanks,
Paul