Help Daniella get a Diabetic Alert Service Dog.

Help Daniella get a Diabetic alert service dog, aka a life-saving best friend!

Hello everyone! This is my daughter Daniella Rose, the sweetest and kindest little girl. She is 9 years old. 9 months ago on July 9, 2024 her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I took her to her yearly physical and told the doctor that she goes to the bathroom a little more than normal and she wakes up a few times in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. (That was the ONLY symptoms she had) They tested her and the doctor told me “I’m so sorry but Daniella has diabetes and she needs to go to Boston Children’s Hospital right now” I’ll NEVER forget those words she said to me. It was such a BIG shock, It felt like something hit me and I wanted to fall. I would have never thought that I would be told that my 9 year old daughter has diabetes on that day. I was so scared, I was so afraid that I wouldn’t be able to take care of her. As a parent that’s a horrible feeling literally made me sick to my stomach. I’ve learned a lot since then and I’m still learning every single day. We take one day at a time, everyday is a new day.

A diabetic alert service dog would be an amazing thing for Daniella to have. A life-saving tool for her. These dogs can catch lows and highs 20-30 minutes before they occur. They beat technology time and time again. A diabetic alert dog would be very beneficial for Daniella especially in the middle of the night,(she is a deep sleeper). It’s very scary to think what if Daniella or myself doesn’t wake up in time. These dogs not only help with highs and lows, but they are also a huge comfort for people who are going through this disease. Every low can be life-threatening if not taken care of quickly. Each high, if not treated, can cause problems in her future with eyes, kidneys, feet, so many things. She would not be able to live a healthy life if these things happen.

A day in the life with Daniella, as well as myself, Jennifer (her mother) is extremely hard. It’s a constant 24/7 (25/8) worry. For those of you who do not know what Type 1 Diabetes is, it’s an autoimmune disease (often diagnosed early in life, in Daniella’s case at 9 years old) in which the pancreas stops producing insulin altogether. People with Type 1 diabetes rely on insulin injections to lower blood sugar. Insulin is not a cure; it simply allows a person with Type 1 to stay alive. The goal is to achieve the best blood glucose levels without going too high or too low. But despite constant finger pricks to check/re-check blood sugar, meticulous dosage and timing of insulin, counting carbs, and considering so many other factors, it is virtually impossible to mimic the human pancreas. Some factors that impact blood sugar include all food (healthy or unhealthy), stress, imperfect timing and/or dosage of insulin, dehydration, exercise, weather, sleep (too much or lack of), inconsistent schedule, hormones, caffeine, illness … the list goes on and on.

The cost is pricey, but hopefully, with your help, we will be able to make Daniella’s wish come true! The dogs are put through extensive training, 14-16 months, so the quicker we get this process started, the better. Thanks so much in advance, and I cannot wait to have you all on this journey with us to get Daniella her new best friend.