Ian's Diabetic Dog Fund

My name is Maggie. 2 years ago my then 13 year old son Ian was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. He has struggled since that time with control of his blood sugar His #s can range from 50-500 within a few hours. As a single mom, and a nurse, I worry every moment of the day and night. My greatest fear is that his blood sugar will drop while he is sleeping and he will slide into a coma. It really feels like I am keeping my son alive a few hours at a time! I get up several times during the night to make sure he is OK. For Ian, this diagnosis has taken so much away from him. He dreamed of being an air force pilot. That is no longer an option for him. He struggles during school and sports as his blood sugars bounce all over the place. He can no longer live in the moment, like all kids should. Every event, every decision, and every activity must be closely planned and monitored in order to keep him safe and healthy. I have been able to get Ian  a glucose pump, and a continuous glucose monitor, which has made this a little easier, but they are not a 100% safeguard. Ian has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit 3 times with Diabetic Ketoacidosis since his diagnosis. There is nothing more frightening than spending 36 hours watching the monitor hooked up to your only child, waiting for him to show signs of stabilization, and praying he isn't taken from you. 
There is hope for Ian. Since his diagnosis, I have been researching Diabetic Alert Dogs. They are trained to alert when the individuals blood sugar starts climbing or dropping to unacceptable levels. These animals can detect the changes more quickly and more consistently than electronic devices. These dogs also offer the diabetic child a best friend,, a companion when they are feeling so very different than their peers, and unable to express their fear and discouragement.  These dogs go everywhere with the child, offering 24 hours of service and peace of mind
My research indicates the cost of a Diabetic Alert Dog to be as much as $25,000.00 !  As a single mom, that number might as well have been $1,000,000.00.  There is no way I can keep food on the table, a roof over Ian's head, and provide him with a Diabetic Alert Dog. 
This last weekend, we met with a Diabetic Alert Dog trainer who stated she would be willing to train our puppy Brody to be Ian's Diabetic Alert Dog. I felt hopeful for the first to e in 2 years. The process would take 12 -15 months. Her training costs would be $950.00 per month. Brody would live with her, and we would visit him on weekends for the training process. Again, $12,000 -$15,000.00 might as well be a million! But, I have to try! I just want to see my son feel safe, unafraid of the effects of the disease, or the stigma that goes with it. So, I am here, asking for any help you might be able to offer to a boy with big dreams, and a big obstacle. Can you help him realize those dreams?