After some hesitation about starting a fundraiser—because asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me—we’ve had several people reach out after hearing about McCoy’s journey and wanting to help make this dream of owning a diabetic alert dog possible for our boy.

Our goal is to raise $30,000 to help bring a trained diabetic alert dog from a reputable trainer into McCoy’s life as an extra layer of safety alongside his current diabetes technology.

Many of you know our son McCoy as an energetic, basketball-loving kid who is always on the move. McCoy was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 7 years old (he’s now 10).

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body stops producing insulin. Managing it requires constant monitoring, carb counting, insulin through a pump, and paying close attention to blood sugar levels day and night. Even with amazing technology like his Dexcom CGM and Tandem Mobi insulin pump, it can still be unpredictable—especially with sports and activity. I sometimes joke that he’s just a little harder to keep alive.

Recently we experienced the lowest blood sugar we’ve ever seen for McCoy. Thankfully we caught it quickly and treated it. While he’s been asking for a diabetic alert dog for quite a while, that night it really resonated with me how helpful an extra layer of safety could be for him.

After researching programs, we’ve decided to begin the process of pursuing a diabetic alert dog for McCoy through Bowen Elite Service Dogs. These specially trained dogs can detect blood sugar changes through scent and alert when levels are dropping or rising quickly, often providing another layer of warning alongside his CGM.

The process to receive a diabetic alert dog is extensive and expensive. The first step is providing a $6,000 deposit and signing a contract to reserve the dog. The total cost for training and placement is approximately $30,000. Because of the program’s waitlist, the next puppies for training will not be born until March 2027, which is why we are beginning the process now.

We’ve created this fundraiser for anyone who feels led to contribute. Please know there is absolutely no expectation—your support, encouragement, and prayers already truly mean the world to our family.

Thank you for loving and supporting McCoy as he continues to grow into a strong, resilient kid living with Type 1 diabetes. If you aren’t in a position to donate, simply sharing our fundraiser helps more than you know!