NEWSNOTES CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION — WINTER 2018
CAROUSEL OF HOPE RAISES $1.9 MILLION PAGE 2
The World is Turning Blue for Diabetes PAGE 6
Photo: © www.JensenSutta.com STAR-STUDDED GALA RAISED OVER $1.9 MILLION FOR THE CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION & BARBARA DAVIS CENTER
On Saturday, October 6, 2018, event chair Barbara Master of Ceremonies and added “Auctioneer” this Davis hosted her iconic Carousel of Hope Ball at The year. He led a memorable live auction experience that Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The gala, a Hollywood had guests bidding on items ranging from a bespoke institution since 1978, honored longtime supporter trip for four to Monteverdi Tuscany, to a private Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” for his meeting with Clive Davis himself at his New York City philanthropic efforts and continued dedication to the office. During a silent auction earlier in the evening, cause. Patrons of the evening were treated to show- guests had the chance to bid on a wide range of one-of- stopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, a-kind items including a Serena Williams autographed Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and David Foster. tennis racket, a Lenny Kravitz autographed Gibson The Carousel of Hope Ball has raised more than Flying V guitar, a Meet & Greet with Lionel Richie in $110 million to date, with proceeds benefiting the Las Vegas for four, and a three-night stay at The Kahala Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Hotel & Resort in Honolulu. Center for Childhood Diabetes. This year’s gala alone raised over $1.9 Million. The show was produced by another longtime friend of the organization, the brilliant George Schlatter. Music Award-winning director David O. Russell took the icons Clive Davis and Quincy Jones served as the stage to present his friend and frequent collaborator evening’s Music Chairmen. Robert De Niro with this year’s “Brass Ring Award.” De Niro delivered a heartfelt speech, recognizing the The event raised awareness for people living with awe-inspiring work being done by the evening’s host, type 1 diabetes. Children wearing blue sashes greeted Barbara Davis. He listed the many reasons to love Mrs. attendees to share their experiences with type 1 Davis and said that “we’re all in her debt because she’s diabetes. During the program, Miles and Donovan so nice, generous, and committed, but she doesn’t just Scott joined Jay Leno and Barbara Davis on stage to throw money at the challenge of treating and beating give the prayer for the evening’s dinner. Miles has type type 1 diabetes, she puts her resources where they will 1 diabetes and his brother cares and supports him do the most good. It’s informed philanthropy – not just through the highs and lows. Donovan said, “My dream about giving, but about getting it done!” is that one day there will be a cure, so I don’t have to watch my brother go through the highs and scary lows David Foster led the evening’s musical festivities, that he deals with every day of his life.” Miles ended introducing a few wildly talented artists, Pia Toscano, the speech with, “Pray for our families, friends, and Shelea Frazier, Fernando Varela, and Stefano teachers who make us a priority every day, so we are Langone, who brought the house down with classics safe. Pray for everyone who will be diagnosed this year, including “I Will Always Love You” and “Nessun and that they will be strong and healthy. Pray for us-- Dorma.” Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds delivered an that when we go to sleep at night we don’t have a low exciting rendition of Eric Clapton’s “Change the World” blood sugar and lose our fight.” and an emotional performance of “When Can I See You.” Legendary performer Gladys Knight had the crowd singing along to some of her biggest hits like LEFT SIDE OF PHOTOS: “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Best Thing That 1. Clive Davis, Richard Weitz, Barbara Davis 2. David Foster, Ever Happened To Me,” and surprised everyone with Gladys Knight 3. Barbara Davis, Jay Leno a mesmerizing cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” 4. CDF Advocates, Dana Davis Carrying on a Carousel of Hope tradition, the evening RIGHT SIDE OF PHOTOS: culminated in a group performance of “That’s What 5. Jolene Schlatter, Sherry Lansing, George Schlatter Friends Are For,” which featured all of the evening’s 6. Maureen McCormick & Michael Cummings participants gathering together in harmony. 7. Corinne Watne shows the audience her CGM with Jay Leno 8. Shelea Frazier, Pia Toscano 9. David O. Russell, Robert De Niro, Barbara Davis 10. Joan Collins The always-entertainingJay Leno reprised his role of 11. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds 12. Taylor Kinney 13. Jay Leno on Stage with CDF Advocates 2 Continued from page 2
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4 Children with type 1 diabetes also joined Jay Leno on stage during a live appeal to thank the patrons who pledged funds to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center during the event.
Additional guests included Debbie Allen, Catherine Bach, Ed Begley Jr & Rachelle Carson-Begley, Alana Collins Stewart, Joan Collins, Billy Davis, Loretta Devine, Frances Fisher, Daisy Fuentes & Richard Marx, George Hamilton, Lisa Rinna & Harry Hamlin, Nikki Haskell, Lauren Holly, Deborah Joy-Winans, Josh Kercher, Taylor Kinney, Art Linson & Fiona Lewis, Nigel Lythgoe & Lisa LoCicero, Maureen McCormick & Michael Cumming, Katharine McPhee, Bob Newhart, Brigitte 1 Photo: © ABImages 2 Photo: © ABImages Nielson, Norm Nixon, Robin Plunkett, Andre Reed, Elisabeth Röhm, David O. Russell, Fred Savage, John Savage, Jolene Schlatter, Hilary Shor, Suzanne Somers & Alan Hamel, Lea Thompson, Ann Turkel & Vincent Spano, Diane Warren, and many more!
The 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball is generously sponsored by American Airlines, the Official Airline of The Carousel of Hope; The Beverly Hilton; Tina & Rick Caruso; Marlyn & Robert Day; and Dexcom.
The 2019 Carousel Ball will take place in Denver, CO on October 19th. Follow us on social media or visit our website for up-to-date information on the 2019 Carousel Ball. 3 Photo: © ABImages
PHOTOS LEFT: 1. Gladys Knight, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds 2. George Hamilton, Alana Collins Stewart 3. Gladys Knight 4. David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Clive Davis, Quincy Jones, Barbara Davis 5. Michele Chan Soon-Shiong, Patrick Soon-Shiong 6. Robert De Niro, Jay Leno 7. John J., Anna Sie 8. Suzanne Somers, Alan Hamel 9. Brigette Nielsen 10. Prayer Children - Miles and Donovan Scott
PHOTOS RIGHT: 1. Billy Davis Jr., Marilyn McCoo 2. Diane Warren, Sherry Lansing 3. Carousel of Hope Performers sing together 4. Robert De Niro, Barbara Davis 5. Matthew Raynes, Lauren Buys, Patty Raynes, Nancy Davis Rickel, Barbara Davis, Isabella Rickel, Mariella Rickel, Kenny Rickel
4 Photo: © ABImages 5 Photo: © www.JensenSutta.com 5 This November for Diabetes Awareness Month, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation THE WORLD IS (CDF) focused on turning the world blue in support of those with type 1 diabetes to TURNING BLUE educate the world about this disease. To spark this initiative, CDF sold t-shirts that said “The World is Turning Blue – Ask Me Why,” which are meant to start the FOR DIABETES conversation in public so those familiar with diabetes can educate others around them. These shirts are a great opportunity to raise awareness all year round. Join us in turning the world blue throughout the year by purchasing your blue shirt at www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org/ blue-world. Share your experiences raising awareness for diabetes with #DiabetesBlue on social media.
DIABETES NEWS In honor of World Diabetes Day on November 14th, the Colorado diabetes community arranged for several iconic buildings in Colorado to display blue lights, the official color of diabetes, including: the Pepsi Center, Elitch Gardens, the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower (16th and Arapahoe), DaVita Buildings, Hyatt Regency Denver, The McNichols Building (Civic Center Park), and more.
Key members of the Colorado community helped spread awareness through videos and educational announcements, including Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Lt. Governor Donna Lynne, Bret Saunders of KBCO, and several media partners.
Diabetes Awareness Month is observed every November throughout America to focus the nation’s attention on the disease and those affected by it. Similarly, World Diabetes Day was created by the International Diabetes Foundation in 1991 as a way to raise awareness about important issues in the diabetes world. It is the largest diabetes campaign in the world, reaching over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries.
6 DIABETES NEWS
NOVEMBER IS #DIABETESAWARENESSMONTH
DiabetesAwarenessMonth is the perfect time to educate all of your friends, family, acquaintances, classmates, coworkers and anyone else about diabetes. Don’t ust tell them you have type 1 diabetes though tell them what it means to have diabetes, the management that is required, and what you go through on a daily basis. Start the conversation
Here are a few creative ways you can help educate those around you and prepare for DiabetesAwarenessMonth:
C .
W ’ KNOW THE KNOW THE FACTS W SYMPTOMS T Type 1 diabetes is NOT Extreme Thirst caused by eating too much W sugar or not exercising Frequent Urination A F www.facebook.com profi epicframes Type 1 diabetes can C ’ D F Bedwetting NOT be cured by diet or exercise D Weight Loss www.Chi drensDiabetesFoundation.org printab es People with type 1 Fatigue diabetes CAN eat sugar Send your materials to Irritability [email protected] if you’d like Diabetes is NOT the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to feature your contagious story, video, or photos on socialSudden media Vision pages Changesto spread awareness to thousands Diabetes can be Fruity Odor on the Breath diagnosed at any age If every type 1 and their family member educates someone, we can overcome the myths and stereotypes of diabetes. Let’s make this the most visible Even though Diabetes Awareness Month is over, it’s important that DiabetesAwarenessMonth we educate the world all yet year round. Please follow the Children’s Diabetes Foundation on social media to share our educational messages.
F oo . o / CDF i CDF i C i Di Fo io
WWW.CHILDRENSDIABETESFOUNDATION.ORG/BLUE-WORLDDON’T FORGET TO USE DIABETESAWARENESSMONTH 7 Colorado Gives Day. It’s more than just a day. It’s a movement that inspires and unites thousands of donors to support Colorado nonprofits. Donate to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation for Colorado Gives Day to support diabetes care, education, and research.
Direct your donation towards a program that speaks to you:
General Donation • Diabetes Research • Stem Cell & Cure-Based Research • Diabetes Technology • Helping Hand Program (for families in financial need) • Helping Little Hands Program (Pregnancy & T1D Support) • Hispanic/Latino Care Program • Holiday Assistance Program • Charlotte Tucker Scholarship
Can’t wait until December 4th? Donations can be scheduled ahead of time at www.ColoradoGives.org/CDF
8 DIABETES NEWS 7TH ANNUAL DIAMONDS FOR DIABETES AT THOLLOT DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY Diamonds, Rubies, and Sapphires...
Visit Thollot Diamonds Oh& Fine Jewelry My! to give a $25 donation to CDF. You’ll get to pick an ornament for the chance to win a variety of precious and semi-precious gem stones OR a piece of fine jewelry donated by Thollot’s! There is over $10,000 worth of jewelry hidden among the ornament boxes!
Donations benefit the Helping Hand Program to give financial assistance for type 1 families to get medical supplies and care.
NOVEMBER 19 - DECEMBER 31 THOLLOT DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY • 3790 E 104TH AVE, THORNTON, CO 80233
TEAM CLINIC MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL
If you have Type 1 Diabetes and are a patient at the Barbara Davis Center, try out a different and fun way to have your next appointment.
APPOINTMENT LAYOUT
1. Patient individually meets with the provider
2. Parents and patients meet in separate, small groups so you can be with people your own age and have a chance to talk about what matters to you!
3. Both parents and patients finish the visit with their doctor/NP
4. Counts as your clinic appointment
MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY CALL: 303-724-2323 QUESTIONS ABOUT TEAM CLINIC?
Photo: © www.JensenSutta.com CALL: 303-724-9606. 9 SPRING BRASS RING KICKOFF
On Wednesday, November 7th, The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation held the kickoff for the 2019 Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Event chairs,
THE GUILD Steve & Shelley Lucas and Barb & Neil Oberfeld, shared exclusive event details (to be announced soon!) and CDF advocate Isabel Cofrades and her mom Kristen gave a joint speech about life with type 1 diabetes.
Attendees were able to reserve their table for the Luncheon & Fashion Show event on April 4th and one lucky winner was randomly selected to win a bottle of Silver Oak wine and a $200 Elway’s gift card.
A big thank you to Footers Catering, Jay’s Valet, and the Spring Brass Ring Official Media Sponsor, Colorado Expression, for making this a special evening.
The Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show will take place on Thursday, April 4th at the Hilton Denver City Center. For event details including table sponsorships and tickets, visit: www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Photos by Broxton Creative
10 11 CHEER
FILL A FAMILY’S HOME WITH JOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! The Holiday Assistance Program provides holiday meals and gifts for families affected by type 1 diabetes who are in need of financial assistance. Thanks to generous supporters, each child will receive a $40 gift card to spend on something they’ll love and the family will get a grocery store gift card for a holiday dinner.
Please consider sponsoring the holidays for one or more kids this year. Go to 12 www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org/Holiday-Assistance to donate and learn more. The Barbara Davis Center & Children’s Diabetes Foundation Present: EPIC Diabetes
ConferenceSAVE THE DATE! May 11, 2019 | 9 am to 3:30 pm | The Westin Denver Downtown Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes | Pediatric, Adult, & Advanced Tracks
Join us for our one-day educational, interactive conference for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This conference will feature three tracks: pediatrics, adults, and advanced (for those looking for an in-depth and detailed knowledge on the session topic).
Attendees are encouraged to bring questions for the sessions to get answers from Colorado’s top diabetes specialists. Sessions will begin with a 15 minute presentation followed by 45 minutes for questions and discussions. Session topics include: exercise, complications, nutrition, management in schools, technology, women’s and men’s health, adolescence, and more.
Our Keynote Speaker, Desmond Schatz, MD, will discuss research focused on finding a cure for diabetes.
Visit www.EPICconferences.org for more details. Registration will open in early 2019!
13 My daughter can still do anything Diabetes is not the end of the she wants. She just has to work a world!! lot harder to plan ahead You don’t sleep when you have type You can do anything! 1!
That type 1 is different from type 2 Type 1 diabetes doesn’t make you any different Anything is possible If you’re high, it doesn’t mean I am an all around varsity athlete. you’re on drugs!
Diaebtes has not stopped me from I didn’t get it from eating sugar all being successful. I am a graduate the time. It just happened! and on track to be a licenced barber – going hard! I want people to know that just because I have type 1 doesn’t mean We did not choose to have this I’m any less capable
I can eat anything – except poison I can eat that if I want to & cookies with poison! I can still play sports High BGs do not make you a bad person! I learned responsibility at a young age and learned math in a different EVERYBODY has something. I’m manner. Counting carbs and doing super grateful mine is treatable!!! insulin corrections.
I’m still cool – Nick Jonas has it There’s nothing to fear!
We can make it through together! Live on 14 It’s a lifetime job with no Type 1 diabetes is hard but you vacation. can never give up
It’s hard at first but it gets It’s everyday better It’s hard and sometimes doesn’t You’re cool if you have it make you feel good
It doesn’t define me. I can do Diabetes is scary anything!! Be brave. Do good. It is a quiet disease with loud consequences! Mood swings aren’t on purpose
After T1D for 25 years, I flew in It can happen at any age zero gravity with NASA It doesn’t go away with diet and You can do anything everyone else exercise can – except make insulin <3 you got this It makes you strong!
Diabetes is not contagious! It’s dangerous
I control diabetes…diabetes does We are just extra sweet and not control me!! special!
As we continue to hope for a Diabetes is not something you cure… we are extremely grateful can get rid of. You have to stick for the Barbara Davis Center/ with it Children’s Diabetes Foundation You can still live a normal life. It’s a pain in the butt Be yourself and follow your The patient is in control of life dreams saving doses You can do it! We can be dia-buddies! When I am low I feel dizzy Candy doesn’t give you type 1 diabetes! I didn’t choose the diabetic life
Sugar is not why we have type 1!! Be yourself, and be smart. You may have no choice to have We are all here for you! diabetes, but to love a full life, you have to take care of it.
I make life-threatening decisions every day
It does not define who you are as a person
Good control is worth the effort
We need a cure!
It’s not because I’m overweight
It only makes you a stronger person!
I don’t always act like myself when I’m high or low
It makes you unique <3
15 DEAR STRANGER By Stacey Obrecht
I feel as though I know you even though I don’t. Like you, my life was turned upside down when my youngest son, at the age of 5, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). I still feel, viscerally, every moment from the evening I found out, and all the crazy things I thought and felt after. What one cannot understand until they experience it like we have; is the total desperation, depression, anger, and fear a parent goes through after a child is diagnosed with T1D.
As most people know nothing about this disease, or their only reference is a family member with type 2, the isolation can be debilitating. People saying things such as “at least he doesn’t have cancer,” “everything will be ok,” “you’ll be fine,” “he’ll be fine,” and “just eat healthier and exercise” can drive a person mad. But, then I would realize that before my son was diagnosed, I too was just as ignorant about this disease as everyone else. At the beginning, this didn’t numb the pain I felt at the insane comments; but now, with the benefit of time, I can tell you…you learn to ignore and brush these comments off. Mostly because, along with all the crazies, there will be a cherished few who will ask and pry out of true love and concern. They’ll want to learn and sit over wine with you for hours just listening to what having a child with T1D truly and every minute as I see my little boy be brave and strong and means for you and your life. They’ll understand and empathize resilient in a way that even I can’t be – I’ve never been so proud! with the fact that your life will be drastically different, and they’ll help you realize that it will be wonderful and perfect So, my advice to you…reach out, call people, and share what even though it has changed. life is like. You will lose friends (I know), because you’ll mainly lose time and be forced to prioritize who is most important in What I wished I had known at the your life, but this in and of itself is a gift. Find other parents beginning, when I couldn’t drag myself who understand your new normal, and find friendship and out of bed, when I broke out in tears understanding and silence in them. It’s amazing how much randomly, when I was scared half to peace this will bring. And get help professionally, if like me, your death that my child would die each and fear or anxiety take over, it’s not admitting failure, its admitting every day and night, and when I broke strength. down and realized I needed a therapist to help me out of the fog….was that And know, that during your sleepless nights bolusing for highs along with all the pain and sorrow and treating lows, and staring at your beautiful son or daughter would be wonderful things as well. when everyone else is sleeping, I am thinking of you and sending The teachers that dropped everything all the positive thoughts and support your way. And if you need to learn how to take care of your baby anything, anything at all, know that I (and bunches of other so he didn’t have to change schools. The stranger d-mama d-parents just like me) will drop everything to help you, so just who supported you in the beginning and welcomed you into ask. Reach out. And don’t stay silent. their home so you didn’t feel alone. The friend who called to check in and worried about you. The friend who did research on medical care for your son because she loves and cares for Love and light, him so much. The millions of people who spend their time Stacey and money fundraising and donating to various organizations focused solely on finding a cure or a better quality of life for Bio: Stacey Obrecht is a management consultant from children and adults with T1D. The school that ensured you had Wyoming. And the proud mom of Evan, who was a great teacher and nurse to care for your child when you are diagnosed with T1D at age 5 in November 2015. She is away from him. The bond now shared with your spouse and passionate about reaching parents of newly diagnosed close family – the only ones that truly know what life is like children, and giving back to the wonderful organizations these days. And most importantly, the love and joy I feel each and people that help move research and care for those 16 with T1D forward each and every day. CAN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES BECOME EYE, ORGAN, OR TISSUE DONORS? by Colton Ostrander Public & Community Relations Coordinator Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank
Diabetes can cause many complications, including damage accounts for ten percent of all blindness world-wide. Through a to the heart, brain and lungs. It can also lead to diabetic cornea transplant, this type of blindness is treatable. retinopathy, often causing blindness. Does this mean that if you have diabetes you shouldn’t bother registering to be an eye, The first cornea transplant was performed in 1905 and, organ and tissue donor? Absolutely not! You can make a positive although newer techniques have developed with advancements difference and restore another person’s vision. in medical technology, the transplant procedure itself hasn’t changed much. In simple terms, a cornea transplant is similar to Many people think their organs or tissues will not be suitable switching out the damaged crystal of a wristwatch. for transplant because they suffer from a disease or have poor vision. This, however, is a common misconception. Anyone can Corneal transplants are the most viable because there is no sign up to be a donor regardless of health, age or lifestyle, even blood supply into the cornea, therefore, diabetes, most cancers, diabetics with eye issues. Such donations can help treat corneal and even blindness are not rule-outs for cornea donation. Due blindness. to the nature of the cornea, there have been donors who have been blind from birth who have been able to restore sight in About the size of a dime, the cornea is the clear tissue on the another. For more information about your local eye bank and front part of the eye. When this tissue becomes damaged due how to sign up to be a donor, go to www.corneas.org. to disease or trauma, it can cause corneal blindness, which
A full-thickness cornea transplant. A surgeon stitches in the graft by hand and the stitches do not dissolve. The surgeon will remove the stitches after 6 to 24 months.
Photo: © www.JensenSutta.com Photo: © www.JensenSutta.com
17 Five Tips for Parenting a Teen with Type 1 Diabetes
Shideh Majidi, MD
The teenage years are an exciting, nerve-wracking, and Here are some tips to keep in mind as you and your teen manage sometimes frustrating time for families. Teenagers spend these diabetes during adolescence: years trying to develop their own identity and figure out who they want to be, which often means they question everything, 1. Transitioning diabetes care to your teen takes time: We challenge authority, and push against the status quo. don’t expect teens to suddenly know how to drive when they turn 16 and we can’t expect them to suddenly know how to Biologically, we also know that the frontal lobe—the area manage their diabetes at a certain age either. Transitioning important for problem solving, judgement, planning, diabetes care to your child occurs over many years and organization, and controlling emotions—is still developing with a lot of continued parental support. Every family will during the teenage years and won’t be fully formed until their transition care differently, but a step-wise approach typically mid-twenties! This is why when we try to tell them about the yields the best results. Start talking with your provider about long-term consequences of their current actions, it doesn’t the transition process early to help transition as smoothly as change their behavior. possible.
So why can type 1 diabetes management be more difficult 2. Focus on behaviors, not outcomes: We often focus on the in the teenage years? We know a teen’s brain isn’t completely blood sugar number and whether it is low or high, which developed yet, that they have different priorities, and they can’t can only partially be controlled by those with type 1 diabetes assess long term consequences the way adults do. But when (biologic factors such as the effect of stress, exercise, and they have type 1 diabetes, they are expected to make diabetes puberty often play a role as well). This often leads to tension a top priority, for their brains to be able to effectively and and conflict between parent and child. Instead, focus on efficiently plan and problem solve daily diabetes tasks, and to controllable behaviors that will ultimately lead to the results understand what poor diabetes management now will mean you want. For example, focus on checking blood sugars, for them in the future. This runs counter to where they are giving insulin, counting carbs, changing insulin pump sets, developmentally and can result in frustration, defiance, and etc. Work together to make goals focusing on controllable conflict during these years. changes and allow them to help make and decide the goal.
3. Avoid using “good” and “bad” to describe diabetes: Think of blood sugars simply as what they are, a number that may need to be acted on. When describing blood sugars as “good” or “bad,” it can implant the idea that when someone has a high blood sugar, they themselves are “bad”. This can lead to teens lying about their blood sugars in order to avoid conflict. Instead, set up a time weekly to review pump downloads (or blood sugar logs) together and discuss patterns and problem-solve changes together and in an objective manner.
4. Puberty affects blood sugars: When teens tell you they don’t know why their blood sugar is high, they may be telling you the truth! Puberty is a time of significant insulin resistance, requiring increasing doses of insulin. This is another reason to review downloads or logs together because insulin dose changes are needed up to every two weeks during puberty to keep blood sugars in range.
5. You are a doing a good job! It is easy to get frustrated with our teens when they don’t do something we know is good for them. You may feel guilty or feel like giving up sometimes. Know that you are doing a good job and you are not alone. You have a team at BDC to help guide your family through the teenage years and into adulthood. 18 THE FOUNDATION ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE TIED TO A CURE LAS VEGAS GOLF FLYAWAY
The Tied to a Cure Las Vegas Golf Flyaway, presented by McDonald Automotive, is the getaway of dreams! On Thursday, October 25th, over 100 golfers boarded a chartered flight to Las Vegas for a beautiful day of golf at Shadow Creek Golf Course and a stay at the infamous Bellagio Hotel & Casino.
The event kicked off in Denver with an alcohol pull, poker games, and breakfast. Vic Lombardi and Kyle Keefe of Altitude Sports 950 emceed throughout the event, including an educational program in the morning with speeches from the event chairs - Michael McDonald, Dan Fuller, and Todd Schieck, Dana Davis, and the Lambrecht Family – Joelean, Jeff, Gracie, and Mia.
Gracie Lambrecht was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 7 years ago and is supported by her loving parents and sister. The family shared the frustration of living with a disease that can’t be fixed and all the day-to-day impacts type 1 diabetes can have on Gracie and her family. The Lambrecht family also talked to the golfers on the green in Las Vegas and requested donations to help Gracie and other kids with type 1 diabetes. Almost 100% of the day’s golfers made personal donations to CDF to support type 1 diabetes care and research.
Since 2010, The Tied to a Cure golf tournaments have raised over an unbelievable $5.2 million for CDF. Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, and supported this tournament and a special thank you to Michael, Dan, and Todd for chairing this event and making it a huge success year after year!
To participate in the 2019 Tied to a Cure golf tournaments (in Denver or Las Vegas), please contact [email protected].
19 BOO BASH A SPOOKY GOOD TIME FOR TYPE 1 FAMILIES
This year’s Boo Bash, held at the Colorado School of Mines with the Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity, was a spooky good time for our type 1 heroes and their families! Kids were able to celebrate Halloween with pizza, sugar-free soda, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, face painting and balloon twisting! The pumpkin decorating contest was a hit as kids competed in their age bracket for the best decorated pumpkin. We especially loved the “insulin pumpkin” created by one of our kiddos! A special thanks to our Event Chair Meredith Wolf, as well as Judy McNeil and all the volunteers that make this event possible! We also really appreciate the support year over year from Domino’s Pizza and Pepsi Company for their generous donations. THE FOUNDATION
20 WINNERS’ CIRCLE FAMILY FINDS INSPIRATION TO GIVE BACK AFTER MULTIPLE
DIAGNOSES By Chantel Manuele
When I was sixteen, I stood in a hospital room with my concerned mother. She seemed to be mulling over the symptoms of my thirteen year old sister that had brought us there – frequent thirst and urination, noticeable weight loss, and a leg injury that wouldn’t heal. This was my introduction to type 1 diabetes (T1D). As a nurse administered saline into me, or what I call an “empathy shot,” it became clear that my sister had a tough battle ahead. I came to know quickly that T1D wasn’t caused by eating too much sugar, but that it was indeed a tough and scary disease.
I once climbed into Heather’s bed, shimmied myself behind her, and propped her back against my chest while my mom fed her some fast acting sugar and called the paramedics. She was paralyzed from severe low blood sugar, and unable to even speak.
After that episode, she continued to excel in dance, school, and to enjoy a healthy life, but I watched how her safety became a constant concern – much different from the usual parent worries. I saw the insulin in the fridge and knew the disease took planning and lots of shots every day, but there was so much I didn’t know.
Nothing could have taught it to me like the events of November 13, 2015, when my little sister came to my aid after I saw familiar and concerning symptoms in my six year old daughter. She came to the rescue, sharing her own meter and (what I know now) as very expensive test strips. When her high blood sugar was confirmed, my sister spent time with my daughter, allowing another sister and I to receive instructive phone calls. We were vacationing in Utah at the time and were directed to take her to the hospital.
I mustered up a lot of strength that day. I didn’t let Eva see the first couple tears I shed, and dried them almost as quickly as they came. I wanted to be strong for her and did my best to be a comfort or distraction as needed. I watched her bravery with awe that first day and barely slept that night. The next day Eva would have the hardest moment of her life to date and that was the first time I couldn’t keep my tears from her. Seeing her physical and emotional pain was heart wrenching, but we braved that tough moment together.
That night while she slept I cried much more. I fought feelings that I had somehow let her down and that her having T1D was my fault. The fact that there was nothing we could have done to prevent it and nothing we could do to take it away had my mind and heart at war. I knew her life would never be the same and gone were the carefree days of her childhood. My heart ached for her. I knew the rest of our little family’s lives would never be the same either and the daunting task of “managing” this fickle and finicky disease was overwhelming. What if I messed up? In only a few hours, we would leave the hospital and her life would be in our hands on a whole new level. It felt like we could never have enough of the thorough training we’d received.
Continued on next page 21 It was in this raw moment of grief that I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, a confirmation that we were not alone. Then evidence of the support around us began to flow through my heart and mind. There had been this almost perfect succession of messages, visits, and gifts from family, friends, and even strangers. We will never forget the family surrounding her bed, or the sweet mother and her two sons with T1D that came to visit us in the hospital on behalf of a charity. They talked and empathized with us in an impactful way. Months later we would still find strength and comfort in the time they spent and words they shared with us. There were dedicated and caring medical professionals answering questions, administering insulin, and preparing us for the road ahead. Best of all, we had each other, our own little amazing team!
I realized this same weekend that we would be adding another team member in less than nine months. After almost a year of trying, and in the midst of a great challenge, this news was an incredible gift of joy and hope. The term “new normal” felt like an oxymoron, but each of us dived in – not only in support of our Eva, but all who belong to this incredibly resilient and passionate community that we are now part of. We rejoiced in the medical advancements that have made a promising future available and from this place of gratitude came acceptance and a natural desire to help others who face similar circumstances.
Our challenges weren’t over though. The adjustment to our new life was at times
WINNERS’ CIRCLE physically and emotionally exhausting. The late nights, interrupted sleep, and constant concerns took a toll, and soon I was facing my own autoimmune diagnosis and a subsequent cancer diagnosis. Eva’s temperament seemed to change when she saw my health declining and after experiencing her first severe low, the weight of what would be a lifelong battle with T1D seemed to rest upon her. It broke my heart to see her struggle so much, but thoughts that had been placed on my mind and heart over the previous year began to take hold and take shape. Knowing our daughter’s big heart, it became clear that our answer to helping her through her grief would be finding a way to connect with others and give back.
With this goal in mind, I have spent the last year getting out of my comfort zone and doing things I’ve never done. It has led me to exciting places – one being the creation of a partnership between our friends at Outdoor Element (OE) and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF). OE has taken their innovative Kodiak Paracord Survival Braid and created a custom “Diabetes” survival braid that duals as a medical I.D. bracelet. With EverSpark technology, custom-made Paracord with jute and fishing line, and an embedded fish hook, the Kodiak is a true survival braid, and an empowering symbol for the incredible people surviving T1D 24/7. With every purchase of the Diabetes Kodiak, using the code OE4CDF, Outdoor Element will give:
• A 10% discount • Free shipping • $10 to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation
Using this same code (OE4CDF), they will also give free shipping and 10% off the original Kodiak and all other OE gear, with a portion of those proceeds also benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. These donations will benefit the families who travel near and far to receive care at the amazing Barbara Davis Center, a place dear to our hearts.
Our biggest thanks to Dr. Robert Slover, the staff at Outdoor Element, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, and the Barbara Davis Center for making this possible. We are so fortunate to associate with wonderful people who embrace this major life challenge with bravery every day. We hope this will serve as a reminder that you are not alone, and there is so much good we can do together.
Sincerely,
22 The Manuele Family NewsNotes is published quarterly by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. We welcome your comments.
If you would like to submit an article or a letter to NewsNotes, send information to: Mattie@ ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
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Mattie Peck Dana Davis Editors
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Children’s Diabetes Foundation Board Members and Guild Presidents
EXECUTIVE BOARD: Steven Kahn, MB, Ch.B. THE GUILD PRESIDENTS: Mrs. Barbara Davis, Chairman Professor of Medicine, Director of the Diabetes Research Founding President, Amy Davis Center, University of Washington Dana Davis, Executive Director Mrs. Gina Abou-Jaoude Rudolph Leibel, MD Richard S. Abrams, M.D. Mrs. Christy Alberts Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Co-Director, Mrs. Jamie Angelich Mr. Peter Culshaw Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Mrs. Karen Aylsworth Stephen Daniels, M.D., Ph.D. Alvin Powers, MD Mrs. Linda Broughton Chairman of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital, Denver Professor of Medicine, Molecular Physiology/Biophysics, Mrs. Tangy Buchanan Division Director, Vanderbilt University Mrs. Nancy Davis Rickel Mrs. Joy Burns William Tamborlane, MD Steven Farber, Esq. Dr. Bonita Carson Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine Mrs. Nancy Cowee Daniel Feiten, M.D. Mrs. Dalyla Creaghe Mr. Shane Hendryson ADVISORY BOARD: Mrs. Margy Epke Mrs. Arlene Hirschfeld Sir Michael Caine Mrs. Chris Foster Mrs. Deidre Hunter Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Daly Mrs. Helenn Franzgrote Mrs. Sally Frerichs Mr. Shawn Hunter The Honorable Diana DeGette, U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado Mrs. Debbie Gradishar Mrs. Tracy van Orman Mr. Neil Diamond Mrs. Helen Hanks Mr. Cameron van Orman Mr. Placido Domingo Mrs. Marty Jensen Mr. Ken Rickel Mr. John Elway Mrs. Gail Johnson Mrs. Sharon Kamen John J. Reilly, Jr., M.D. Mr. David Foster Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs & Dean, School of Medicine, Mr. Kenny G Mrs. Janet Knisely University of Colorado Denver Mr. David Geffen Mrs. Shelley Lucas Mrs. Suzy Love Mrs. Stacy Mendelson Robinson Mr. Magic Johnson Mr. Quincy Jones Mrs. Judy McNeil Marian Rewers, M.D., Ph.D. Mrs. Sally Newcomb Ex-Officio Member Ms. Sherry Lansing Mr. Jay Leno Mrs. Barb Oberfeld SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD: Mr. Paul Marciano Mrs. Gretchen Pope Richard S. Abrams, M.D. Mr. Mo Ostin Mrs. Carol Roger Director, Colorado Preventive Medicine, Rose Medical Center; Sir Sidney Poitier Mrs. Kay Stewart Clinical Professor of Medicine UCD Mr. Lionel Richie Mrs. Diane Sweat Mark Atkinson, Ph.D. Mrs. Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons Mrs. Loretta Tucker Professor of Pathology & Pediatrics, Director, University of Mr. George Schlatter Mrs. Jane Weingarten Florida Diabetes Institute Ms. Maria Shriver Ezio Bonifacio, Ph.D. Mr. Steven Spielberg and Ms. Kate Capshaw Professor for Preclinical Approaches to Stem Cell Therapy, Ms. Brenda Richie Center for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden, Germany Ms. Barbera Thornhill Robert Eckel, MD Miss Joan van Ark Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics, Mr. Gary L. Wilson University of Colorado School of Medicine Mr. Stevie Wonder Matthias Hebrok, Ph.D. Professor in Residence and Director, Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco
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