JDRF Walk for a Cure

We experienced out first juvenile diabetes walk at the Mall of America on Saturday February 27. It was not something I ever pictured myself being a part of, but since Hannah was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, about 15 months ago, it just felt natural to be a part of everything I can to help find a cure. Really, diabetes is a huge part of our life now. Hannah has had to be one strong girl, and sometimes this whole thing has been really hard for her, for us. She has accepted what needs to be done, but that doesn't mean she likes it. In fact the word diabetes or talking about diabetes in relationship to her makes her scared, she tries to avoid the attention.

The Walk for a Cure, brought out something in her I haven't seen yet, and I think she didn't feel so alone, she felt like she belonged. After having to get up so early for the walk, she was a bit crabby, but as soon as we got to the mall, she was happy, bright and bubbly, and had lots of energy. Through all the excitement and energy though, it caused her blood sugar to drop and then suddenly she didn't feel so well. We did what we needed to do and got her back on track. I think she enjoyed the day especially the part where grandma and grandpa took her to Build a Bear and grandma Nancy took her to American Girl.

Our team, "Hannah's Hopeful Hearts" were proud to raise about $2300 for JDRF. There were about 20,000 people at the mall on walk day and it felt amazing to be surrounded by so many hoping one day that a cure can be found. Alot of families and teams had t-shirts to identify their loved one with diabetes. One set of shirts made me laugh a bit, it said, I'd rather kiss a pig, than take insulin shots for the rest of my life. I dont think we'll go down those lines, but we hope to plan on designing a shirt for next years walk.

All in all the morning was fun, but mostly it just made me so thankful for JDRF and all the dedicated people who hope a cure will be found. I pray that God's will be done with or without a cure, we will move forward. We will put our focus and praise to Him who created Hannah and on all the blessings He has given to us. Instead of focusing on Hannah as a diabetic, I will not let this define her life, we will put all our trust in God that He will love and take care of her..... as Hannah, living with diabetes, a child of God.

On March 11 we will take the next step in getting Hannah on the insulin pump, as we attend the pump prep class. I really believe this will be good for Hannah although Hannah doesn't see it yet. To her right now it's just another focus on her diabetes, more changes, and different hurts and anxieties. I hope it goes well.


Team Hannah's Hopeful Hearts 2010