Please consider donating to support our family’s closest friends and their daughter Charlotte as she works towards getting a Diabetic Alert Service Dog.

On December 5th, 2023, then 8-year-old Charlotte’s life changed forever. What began as a normal day became the day she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). By the time she reached the ER, her blood sugar was over 600, her A1C was 11.7 (normal is 4.5–5.6), and she was in Diabetic Ketoacidosis, a life-threatening emergency. Doctors told her family that bringing her in that day likely saved her life.

For most people, day-to-day life involves minor decisions about what to eat, what to do, and where to go without a second thought. For Charlotte and her family, every decision carries the weight of Type 1 Diabetes. Every meal requires carb calculations. Every activity, swimming, playing softball, or riding her bike, must be considered for how much it will impact her blood sugar. Being too cold, too hot, or even slightly sick can cause sudden drops. Like you and I, they can’t just walk out of their house without constant questions like: Do we have insulin? Is her pump charged? Is the diabetes bag packed? Do we have extra supplies in case something goes wrong?

Technology helps, but it isn’t perfect. Her continuous glucose monitor can lag up to 10 minutes behind real blood sugar levels. There have been frightening moments, nighttime lows in the 30s where her mom has stayed awake beside her, waiting and watching to make sure Charlotte is safe.

New research has found that children with T1D and parents of children with T1D face an estimated 180-300 medical decisions daily. Even with all the technology that has developed over the years, T1D is unpredictable, relentless, and exhausting.

Why a T1D Service Dog Would Change Charlotte’s Life

Since her diagnosis, Charlotte has been hoping that one day she would be able to get a service dog to help support her in managing her T1D. A trained diabetic alert dog could detect dangerous highs and lows before technology does and even before Charlotte feels them. These dogs can smell chemical changes in the body and alert her (and her parents) in ways that could literally save her life.

For a child, like Charlotte, with T1D whose days are shaped by uncertainty, fear, and constant monitoring, a service dog would mean greater safety, increased independence, emotional support and companionship and a reliable early-warning system for dangerous blood sugar changes.

Charlotte has a huge heart and a gentle spirit, and she is more than ready to love and care for a service dog of her own. She has officially made it onto a waitlist but the cost of securing and training a diabetic alert dog is extremely high.

How you can help!

Funds raised will go toward the cost of the dog, training, and essential needs.

Every donation, big or small, brings Charlotte one step closer to safety, independence, and a companion who will walk alongside her through every challenge.

Thank you for helping us support Charlotte in her fight against Type 1 Diabetes.

Your generosity means more than words can say.