As a close friend of the Fisherback family, I want to share a story that no parent ever expects to live- yet Josh and Kayla are facing it with faith, strength and courage.

On what should have been the first carefree day of summer break in May 2025, they took their 8-year-old son, Maverick, to the pediatrician for a few concerning symptoms. Within an hour, their entire world was flipped upside down. The doctor called with news no family should ever hear: Maverick has Type 1 Diabetes and was already in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). They were told to get him to the children’s hospital immediately.

The months that followed were overwhelming and filled with long nights, fear and constant learning. But through it all, Maverick has shown a level of bravery far beyond his years. Every single day, he has to endure painful finger pokes, injections, alarms, highs, lows and endless decisions with a strength most adults couldn’t imagine. Every day, now brings life-or-death choices which is an unimaginable responsibility for an 8-year-old who should only be worried about being a kid.

What some people don’t know is that Josh is an active-duty U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Bragg. Military families already carry a heavy load: unpredictable schedules, deployments, separation from loved ones and constant moves. Adding a diagnosis this serious onto an already demanding military life has been incredibly hard. On top of everything, Josh and Kayla are raising 5 young children.

That’s why I’m sharing their story.

While modern diabetic technology is life-changing, it is not perfect. Sensors fail, alerts lag and sometimes the sensors meant to protect Maverick’s blood sugar levels result in dangerous highs or lows. The family has begun the process of getting him a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) through Bowen Elite Service Dogs. Diabetic Alert Dogs are specially trained to assist diabetics in their everyday lives. Their primary task is to alert their handler of an oncoming hypo/hyperglycemic event (low or high blood sugars). Early detection of these events enables the handler to take steps to get their blood sugar back in normal range before it becomes dangerous. The trained companion can detect rising or falling blood sugars up to 30 minutes before a Continued Glucose Monitor (CGM). That kind of early warning can truly be lifesaving.

The journey to receive a trained Diabetic Alert Dog takes approximately 1.5 years with a $6,000 deposit, and the cost is extremely high ($28,800)- far more than most families can manage alone. Especially a military family on a fixed income with 5 young children.

If you are able to help in any way- through a donation or simply by sharing this GoFundMe- it would mean the world to the Fisherbacks. I believe that every family should have access to as many tools for Diabetes as possible and them owning a Diabetic Alert Dog will complement Maverick who has a CGM providing him with the childhood he deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to read, share and stand with this incredible family during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.