This is our T1D warrior, Maybel! When she was 11 months old, she was rushed to the emergency room and diagnosed with type one diabetes in diabetic ketoacidosis. As a type 1 diabetic, Maybel requires 24/7 monitoring by her parents, making it a challenging task for everyone in her family, especially overnight. After years of living with this life-altering diagnosis, this is one of the best ways to help protect her. This special service dog would be able to detect her lows while sleeping, provide her more geographic freedom when she is with friends, playing, and be a companion for Maybel; and another set of eyes for her parents managing her health.

Sugar dogs or DAD (diabetic alert dog) (type one diabetic service dogs) can detect high and low blood sugars even before a monitor can detect them. These dogs are trained to alert people nearby if their owner's blood sugar changes severely, retrieve medications and other supplies in an emergency and provide emotional support. DAD are trained to monitor 24/7.

We plan to work with a company called Top Notch in Elkhart, Indiana, to get a diabetic-alert dog. They provided a cost estimate of $25,000, and the goal is to raise $30,000 to help cover additional expenses, including travel costs for multiple trips to Elkhart as we transition the dog into our home and complete training. Insurance does not cover any of this cost, making it a significant out-of-pocket expense. However, we believe it is worth every penny to ensure Maybel has a constant companion looking out for her health and safety.

Maybel is working hard to find ways to raise money. She has hosted lemonade stands, hot cocoa, and coffee bar, makes and sells jewelry and beadable items, had a benefit bike ride, thanks to Raised By Heroes MC of Indiana, attends events and is putting so much effort into her sugar dog goal! She was also featured in the South Bend Tribune Sunday paper, and aired on WVPE! Maybel has raised $13,000 so far! We are beyond grateful for the support and generosity!

We've created a blog journal so you can follow along with us on her T1D journey! Visit juiceboxbabies.com to read more and see all of our events!!!

juiceboxbabies.com