Marek's Service Dog
In April 2016 my son Marek spent a week inpatient at A. I. DuPont Children's Hospital in Delaware where he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes(T1D).
T1D is a life-threatening autoimmune disease. And, unlike Type 2 Diabetes, T1D has no cause and no cure. Multiple daily shots of insulin are required to stay alive.
Complications of T1D include Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia which cause coma, seizures, and organ failure. A Diabetic Alert Dog(D.A.D.) is a service k9 who can tell before this would happen. This is especially important overnight when no one is awake to know if Marek goes into a coma.
Marek’s T1D Facts
180—average number of shots received per month
6—Marek’s age at diagnosis
FOREVER—duration of disease
240—average number of times per month blood drawn from fingertips for testing
$25,000.00—cost of certified D.A.D. & insurance
Every time Marek has anything to eat or drink he must be given an injection of a carefully calculated dose of insulin. There is no break from T1D. I have to have Marek's medications with us at all times and most of them are temperature sensitive. He has 7 prescriptions to manage T1D. A month’s supply of just 2 of the medications costs over $600.00!
A person with T1D must keep their blood glucose level within a normal range or 'number '. Several times a day and overnight I have to take blood from Marek’s fingertips and test it in a Blood Glucose Meter (BGM).
A BGM can only report a number after it has happened though. If it is not in range, this doesn’t allow much time to remedy the situation before it becomes dangerous. And, the FDA allows for a 20% margin of error in the number a BGM reports.
A D.A.D. detects by scent the fluctuations in blood glucose levels up to one-half hour before dangerous numbers occur! They are on alert 24 hours a day and are accurate 90% of the time!
His D.A.D. will be scent-imprinted to the chemical change that occurs in Marek's body when he experiences Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia. This is done by sending samples of Marek's saliva to the trainer for use with the dog. Because his D.A.D. is allowed in all public places with Marek he will also receive extensive obedience training. Once this is completed, he will be delivered to us and have in-home training as well.
In addition to alerting, Marek’s D.A.D. will give him comfort during the many painful procedures he endures related to T1D. And I will have restful sleep and peace of mind knowing that another pair of loving eyes, and a powerful nose, is always watching over Marek.
#MySonIsStrongerThanT1D but he needs your help! Please donate-like-share-pass it on, then stay connected for updates as we bring together a brave boy and his miracle dog! Thank you! 
