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
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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
Davis hosted her iconic Carousel of Hope Ball at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The gala, a Hollywood institution since 1978, honored longtime supporter Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” for his philanthropic efforts and continued dedication to the cause. Patrons of the evening were treated to showstopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and David Foster. The Carousel of Hope Ball has raised more than $110 million to date, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. This year’s gala alone raised over $1.9 Million. Award-winning director David O. Russell took the stage to present his friend and frequent collaborator Robert De Niro with this year’s “Brass Ring Award.” De Niro delivered a heartfelt speech, recognizing the awe-inspiring work being done by the evening’s host, Barbara Davis. He listed the many reasons to love Mrs. Davis and said that “we’re all in her debt because she’s so nice, generous, and committed, but she doesn’t just throw money at the challenge of treating and beating type 1 diabetes, she puts her resources where they will do the most good. It’s informed philanthropy – not just about giving, but about getting it done!” David Foster led the evening’s musical festivities, introducing a few wildly talented artists, Pia Toscano, Shelea Frazier, Fernando Varela, and Stefano Langone, who brought the house down with classics including “I Will Always Love You” and “Nessun Dorma.” Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds delivered an exciting rendition of Eric Clapton’s “Change the World” 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 “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” and surprised everyone with a mesmerizing cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” Carrying on a Carousel of Hope tradition, the evening culminated in a group performance of “That’s What Friends Are For,” which featured all of the evening’s participants gathering together in harmony. The always-entertaining Jay Leno reprised his role of
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Master of Ceremonies and added “Auctioneer” this year. He led a memorable live auction experience that had guests bidding on items ranging from a bespoke trip for four to Monteverdi Tuscany, to a private meeting with Clive Davis himself at his New York City office. During a silent auction earlier in the evening, guests had the chance to bid on a wide range of one-ofa-kind items including a Serena Williams autographed tennis racket, a Lenny Kravitz autographed Gibson Flying V guitar, a Meet & Greet with Lionel Richie in Las Vegas for four, and a three-night stay at The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu. The show was produced by another longtime friend of the organization, the brilliant George Schlatter. Music icons Clive Davis and Quincy Jones served as the evening’s Music Chairmen. The event raised awareness for people living with type 1 diabetes. Children wearing blue sashes greeted attendees to share their experiences with type 1 diabetes. During the program, Miles and Donovan Scott joined Jay Leno and Barbara Davis on stage to give the prayer for the evening’s dinner. Miles has type 1 diabetes and his brother cares and supports him through the highs and lows. Donovan said, “My dream 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 that he deals with every day of his life.” Miles ended the speech with, “Pray for our families, friends, and teachers who make us a priority every day, so we are safe. Pray for everyone who will be diagnosed this year, and that they will be strong and healthy. Pray for us-that when we go to sleep at night we don’t have a low blood sugar and lose our fight.”
LEFT SIDE OF PHOTOS: 1. Clive Davis, Richard Weitz, Barbara Davis 2. David Foster, Gladys Knight 3. Barbara Davis, Jay Leno 4. CDF Advocates, Dana Davis RIGHT SIDE OF PHOTOS: 5. Jolene Schlatter, Sherry Lansing, George Schlatter 6. Maureen McCormick & Michael Cummings 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 11. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds 12. Taylor Kinney 13. Jay Leno on Stage with CDF Advocates
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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 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!
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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.
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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
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DIABETES NEWS
THE WORLD IS TURNING BLUE FOR DIABETES
This November for Diabetes Awareness
Month, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) focused on turning the world blue in support of those with type 1 diabetes to 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 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. 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.
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#DiabetesAwarenessMonth is the perfect time to educate all of your friends, family, acquaintances, classmates, coworkers and anyone else about diabetes. Don’t just 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:
DIABETES NEWS
NOVEMBER IS #DIABETESAWARENESSMONTH
Create a presentation about diabetes and share it with your classmates, coworkers, etc.
KNOW THE FACTS Type 1 diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or not exercising Type 1 diabetes can NOT be cured by diet or exercise People with type 1 diabetes CAN eat sugar Diabetes is NOT contagious Diabetes can be diagnosed at any age
When someone asks why you’re poking your finger, tell them why – in detail!
KNOW THE Write a blog, story, or article to share on social media* SYMPTOMS Take photos of the life of a type 1 to share on social media*
Extreme Thirst
Wear blue – the color for diabetes – to show your support
Frequent Urination
Add a frame to your Facebook profile picture (available at www.facebook.com/profilepicframes and search for Bedwetting “Children’s Diabetes Foundation”) Download printable materialsWeight at Loss www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org/printables to distribute in your community to spread awareness
Fatigue
*Send your materials to Irritability Mattie@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org if you’d like the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to feature your Sudden story, video, or photos on social mediaVision pagesChanges to spread awareness to thousands!
Fruity Odor on the Breath
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 #DiabetesAwarenessMonth Even though Diabetes Awareness Month is over, it’s important that we educate the world all yet! year round. Please follow the
Children’s Diabetes Foundation on social media to share our educational messages.
Facebook.com/ ChildrensDiabetesFoundation
@CDFdiabetes
@CDFdiabetes
DON’T FORGET TO USE: #DIABETESAWARENESSMONTH WWW.CHILDRENSDIABETESFOUNDATION.ORG/BLUE-WORLD
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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
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Diamonds, Rubies, and Sapphires..
Oh My!
Visit Thollot Diamonds & Fine Jewelry 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.
DIABETES NEWS
7TH ANNUAL DIAMONDS FOR DIABETES AT THOLLOT DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY
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
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QUESTIONS ABOUT TEAM CLINIC? CALL: 303-724-9606. 9
THE GUILD
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, 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
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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.
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Please consider sponsoring the holidays for one or more kids this year. Go to www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org/Holiday-Assistance to donate and learn more.
The Barbara Davis Center & Children’s Diabetes Foundation Present:
EPIC Diabetes Conference SAVE 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!
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My daughter can still do anything she wants. She just has to work a lot harder to plan ahead You can do anything! That type 1 is different from type 2 Anything is possible I am an all around varsity athlete. Diaebtes has not stopped me from being successful. I am a graduate and on track to be a licenced barber – going hard! We did not choose to have this I can eat anything – except poison & cookies with poison! High BGs do not make you a bad person!
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Diabetes is not the end of the world!! You don’t sleep when you have type 1! Type 1 diabetes doesn’t make you any different If you’re high, it doesn’t mean you’re on drugs! I didn’t get it from eating sugar all the time. It just happened! I want people to know that just because I have type 1 doesn’t mean I’m any less capable I can eat that if I want to I can still play sports
EVERYBODY has something. I’m super grateful mine is treatable!!!
I learned responsibility at a young age and learned math in a different manner. Counting carbs and doing insulin corrections.
I’m still cool – Nick Jonas has it
There’s nothing to fear!
We can make it through together!
Live on
It’s a lifetime job with no vacation.
Type 1 diabetes is hard but you can never give up
It’s hard at first but it gets better
It’s everyday
You’re cool if you have it It doesn’t define me. I can do anything!! It is a quiet disease with loud consequences! After T1D for 25 years, I flew in zero gravity with NASA You can do anything everyone else can – except make insulin <3 you got this
It’s hard and sometimes doesn’t make you feel good Diabetes is scary Be brave. Do good. Mood swings aren’t on purpose It can happen at any age It doesn’t go away with diet and exercise It makes you strong!
Diabetes is not contagious!
It’s dangerous
I control diabetes…diabetes does not control me!!
We are just extra sweet and special!
As we continue to hope for a cure… we are extremely grateful for the Barbara Davis Center/ Children’s Diabetes Foundation
Diabetes is not something you can get rid of. You have to stick with it
It’s a pain in the butt The patient is in control of life saving doses We can be dia-buddies! Candy doesn’t give you type 1 diabetes! Sugar is not why we have type 1!! We are all here for you!
You can still live a normal life. Be yourself and follow your dreams You can do it! When I am low I feel dizzy I didn’t choose the diabetic life Be yourself, and be smart. You may have no choice to have 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
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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 means for you and your life. They’ll understand and empathize with the fact that your life will be drastically different, and they’ll help you realize that it will be wonderful and perfect even though it has changed. What I wished I had known at the beginning, when I couldn’t drag myself out of bed, when I broke out in tears randomly, when I was scared half to death that my child would die each and every day and night, and when I broke down and realized I needed a therapist to help me out of the fog….was that along with all the pain and sorrow would be wonderful things as well. The teachers that dropped everything to learn how to take care of your baby so he didn’t have to change schools. The stranger d-mama who supported you in the beginning and welcomed you into 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 him so much. The millions of people who spend their time and money fundraising and donating to various organizations focused solely on finding a cure or a better quality of life for children and adults with T1D. The school that ensured you had a great teacher and nurse to care for your child when you are away from him. The bond now shared with your spouse and close family – the only ones that truly know what life is like these days. And most importantly, the love and joy I feel each
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and every minute as I see my little boy be brave and strong and resilient in a way that even I can’t be – I’ve never been so proud! So, my advice to you…reach out, call people, and share what 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 your life, but this in and of itself is a gift. Find other parents who understand your new normal, and find friendship and understanding and silence in them. It’s amazing how much peace this will bring. And get help professionally, if like me, your fear or anxiety take over, it’s not admitting failure, its admitting strength. And know, that during your sleepless nights bolusing for highs and treating lows, and staring at your beautiful son or daughter when everyone else is sleeping, I am thinking of you and sending all the positive thoughts and support your way. And if you need anything, anything at all, know that I (and bunches of other d-parents just like me) will drop everything to help you, so just ask. Reach out. And don’t stay silent. Love and light, Stacey Bio: Stacey Obrecht is a management consultant from Wyoming. And the proud mom of Evan, who was diagnosed with T1D at age 5 in November 2015. She is passionate about reaching parents of newly diagnosed children, and giving back to the wonderful organizations and people that help move research and care for those 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
to the heart, brain and lungs. It can also lead to diabetic retinopathy, often causing blindness. Does this mean that if you have diabetes you shouldn’t bother registering to be an eye, organ and tissue donor? Absolutely not! You can make a positive difference and restore another person’s vision. Many people think their organs or tissues will not be suitable for transplant because they suffer from a disease or have poor vision. This, however, is a common misconception. Anyone can sign up to be a donor regardless of health, age or lifestyle, even diabetics with eye issues. Such donations can help treat corneal blindness. About the size of a dime, the cornea is the clear tissue on the front part of the eye. When this tissue becomes damaged due to disease or trauma, it can cause corneal blindness, which
accounts for ten percent of all blindness world-wide. Through a cornea transplant, this type of blindness is treatable. The first cornea transplant was performed in 1905 and, although newer techniques have developed with advancements in medical technology, the transplant procedure itself hasn’t changed much. In simple terms, a cornea transplant is similar to switching out the damaged crystal of a wristwatch. Corneal transplants are the most viable because there is no blood supply into the cornea, therefore, diabetes, most cancers, and even blindness are not rule-outs for cornea donation. Due to the nature of the cornea, there have been donors who have been blind from birth who have been able to restore sight in another. For more information about your local eye bank and how to sign up to be a donor, go to www.corneas.org.
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.
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Five Tips for Parenting a Teen with Type 1 Diabetes Shideh Majidi, MD The teenage years are an exciting, nerve-wracking, and
sometimes frustrating time for families. Teenagers spend these years trying to develop their own identity and figure out who they want to be, which often means they question everything, challenge authority, and push against the status quo. Biologically, we also know that the frontal lobe—the area important for problem solving, judgement, planning, organization, and controlling emotions—is still developing during the teenage years and won’t be fully formed until their mid-twenties! This is why when we try to tell them about the long-term consequences of their current actions, it doesn’t change their behavior. So why can type 1 diabetes management be more difficult in the teenage years? We know a teen’s brain isn’t completely developed yet, that they have different priorities, and they can’t assess long term consequences the way adults do. But when they have type 1 diabetes, they are expected to make diabetes a top priority, for their brains to be able to effectively and efficiently plan and problem solve daily diabetes tasks, and to understand what poor diabetes management now will mean for them in the future. This runs counter to where they are developmentally and can result in frustration, defiance, and conflict during these years.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you and your teen manage diabetes during adolescence:
1. Transitioning diabetes care to your teen takes time: We
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 manage their diabetes at a certain age either. Transitioning diabetes care to your child occurs over many years and with a lot of continued parental support. Every family will transition care differently, but a step-wise approach typically yields the best results. Start talking with your provider about the transition process early to help transition as smoothly as possible.
2. Focus on behaviors, not outcomes: We often focus on the
blood sugar number and whether it is low or high, which can only partially be controlled by those with type 1 diabetes (biologic factors such as the effect of stress, exercise, and puberty often play a role as well). This often leads to tension and conflict between parent and child. Instead, focus on controllable behaviors that will ultimately lead to the results you want. For example, focus on checking blood sugars, giving insulin, counting carbs, changing insulin pump sets, etc. Work together to make goals focusing on controllable 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
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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.
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.
THE FOUNDATION
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE TIED TO A CURE LAS VEGAS GOLF FLYAWAY
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 Amanda@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
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THE FOUNDATION 20
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.
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.
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
FAMILY FINDS INSPIRATION TO GIVE BACK AFTER MULTIPLE DIAGNOSES
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
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WINNERS’ CIRCLE
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 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,
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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 Zachary Reece Graphic Designer Mattie Peck Dana Davis Editors Photo: © www.JensenSutta.com
Children’s Diabetes Foundation Board Members and Guild Presidents EXECUTIVE BOARD: Mrs. Barbara Davis, Chairman Dana Davis, Executive Director Richard S. Abrams, M.D. Mr. Peter Culshaw Stephen Daniels, M.D., Ph.D. Chairman of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital, Denver Mrs. Nancy Davis Rickel Steven Farber, Esq. Daniel Feiten, M.D. Mr. Shane Hendryson Mrs. Arlene Hirschfeld Mrs. Deidre Hunter Mr. Shawn Hunter Mrs. Tracy van Orman Mr. Cameron van Orman Mr. Ken Rickel John J. Reilly, Jr., M.D. Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs & Dean, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Mrs. Stacy Mendelson Robinson Marian Rewers, M.D., Ph.D. Ex-Officio Member SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD: Richard S. Abrams, M.D. Director, Colorado Preventive Medicine, Rose Medical Center; Clinical Professor of Medicine UCD Mark Atkinson, Ph.D. Professor of Pathology & Pediatrics, Director, University of Florida Diabetes Institute Ezio Bonifacio, Ph.D. Professor for Preclinical Approaches to Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden, Germany Robert Eckel, MD Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Matthias Hebrok, Ph.D. Professor in Residence and Director, Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco
Steven Kahn, MB, Ch.B. Professor of Medicine, Director of the Diabetes Research Center, University of Washington Rudolph Leibel, MD Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Co-Director, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Alvin Powers, MD Professor of Medicine, Molecular Physiology/Biophysics, Division Director, Vanderbilt University William Tamborlane, MD Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine ADVISORY BOARD: Sir Michael Caine Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Daly The Honorable Diana DeGette, U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado Mr. Neil Diamond Mr. Placido Domingo Mr. John Elway Mr. David Foster Mr. Kenny G Mr. David Geffen Mr. Magic Johnson Mr. Quincy Jones Ms. Sherry Lansing Mr. Jay Leno Mr. Paul Marciano Mr. Mo Ostin Sir Sidney Poitier Mr. Lionel Richie Mrs. Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons Mr. George Schlatter Ms. Maria Shriver Mr. Steven Spielberg and Ms. Kate Capshaw Ms. Brenda Richie Ms. Barbera Thornhill Miss Joan van Ark Mr. Gary L. Wilson Mr. Stevie Wonder
THE GUILD PRESIDENTS: Founding President, Amy Davis Mrs. Gina Abou-Jaoude Mrs. Christy Alberts Mrs. Jamie Angelich Mrs. Karen Aylsworth Mrs. Linda Broughton Mrs. Tangy Buchanan Mrs. Joy Burns Dr. Bonita Carson Mrs. Nancy Cowee Mrs. Dalyla Creaghe Mrs. Margy Epke Mrs. Chris Foster Mrs. Helenn Franzgrote Mrs. Sally Frerichs Mrs. Debbie Gradishar Mrs. Helen Hanks Mrs. Marty Jensen Mrs. Gail Johnson Mrs. Sharon Kamen Mrs. Janet Knisely Mrs. Shelley Lucas Mrs. Suzy Love Mrs. Judy McNeil Mrs. Sally Newcomb Mrs. Barb Oberfeld Mrs. Gretchen Pope Mrs. Carol Roger Mrs. Kay Stewart Mrs. Diane Sweat Mrs. Loretta Tucker Mrs. Jane Weingarten
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