Donate today and help raise money for Type 1 Diabetes

In August 2024, Lucas had the last “normal” birthday he would ever have. He played at the trampoline park with friends and family and enjoyed eating pizza and a cookie cake to celebrate. He turned 11 and was carefree and could do anything in the world.

Three weeks later, he started feeling bad. He was grumpy, started having stomach pain, and did not want to eat many days.

Another week came and went. We went to Kanpai to celebrate my nephew’s birthday, and Lucas cried because he didn’t want to eat the food—he thought it would make him sick. The next day, we had his sister’s birthday party. Again, he didn’t really want to eat much and definitely didn’t want cake. We were more worried at this point, but he wasn’t showing any viral symptoms, so we didn’t think he needed a doctor.

The next day, he was getting ready for school. He filled a glass with milk and chugged it. He then went and grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it. He kept saying his stomach hurt, but he was so thirsty. I then thought about the night before; he had a bottle of water right before bed and complained of having to get up to pee the previous night so much.

Bam! It hit me like a ton of bricks.

I told Justin to grab his test strips and monitor and test Lucas’s blood sugar. It was 544. I quickly called a friend for advice, as she had gone through this with her son. I asked her if I should go straight to Brenners or wait for the doctor to open. She recommended Brenners. So we went.

By then, his sugars were over 600 (that’s as high as it went).

The entire next day was emotional, draining, and completely frightening.

Ultimately, after hours of tests and needle sticks, and many tears, we were told he had diabetes. He had to have blood work to see if it really was type 1, but they said we caught it early. They were amazed that we knew the signs so early. I owe Suzanne for that. Her words have always stuck with me—“he was drinking like a fish and peeing constantly.”

It’s been seven months now. We have gotten into our routine and our new norm (for the most part). He has to have four shots per day (more if he has a special snack). He has learned the art of carb counting and portions and finger pricks and more.

His bravery inspires me daily. Since his diagnosis, he has used 17 Dexcoms, received a minimum of 840 insulin shots, and way too many finger pricks to remember. He is so strong and smart and continues to amaze me.

No child should ever have to endure this. No parent should either.

We would like to raise some money to help with the costs of insulin and diabetic supplies for those in need.