This past month my twelve year old sister was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes after slipping into Diabetic shock and taken to the hospital. She stayed for a week and was taught how to test her blood sugars and give herself insulin. Eager to get back to school, Phoebe soon realized she would have to check in with the school nurse in classes like P.E. and would have to constantly have part of her mind focused on her sugars and not her studies. She was going to be distracted from school as well as the theater group that she is an active member of. Also, like any kid, she enjoys sleeping in on weekends and traveling during the summer. While she can still do these things she will always have to focus on her sugars instead of immersing herself as she has before.
Very quickly Phoebe thought of a solution; a Diabetic Service Dog! So she began her research and found the Diabetic Alert Dogs of America. We found out that a dog, trained with your scent, costs roughly $15,000 so we are trying to raise as much as possible and get phoebe a companion as soon as possible. This way Phoebe can be responsible for herself, as well as her dog, but still be able to be present in her day to day life.
If you are curious about the foundation please look at this link:
http://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com/about_us
If you would like to donate please know how much Phoebe (and everyone that worries about her) will appreciate it. Not only will Phoebe get a companion that gets to follow her around everywhere she (and all of us) will have the peace of mind knowing she always has a backup alert system.