Christmas is full of wonder and expectations; it’s about the excitement of what awaits you. December 23, 2009 – this was a Christmas season that certainly fits that description, but not in the way one would expect. This is the day Maggie was diagnosed with T1D. Each day since has brought its challenges, the ups and downs, the silent struggles. All of this has been taken on by a free spirited little girl who continues to march forward with the hope that one day there will be a cure.

Just two months after the initial diagnosis, our family contacted Breakthrough T1D because we felt lost. We connected with Betsy Paffmann and the Youth Ambassador Program, and our lives now move forward in a more positive direction despite living with T1D. We have helped spread awareness, raise funds, and advocate for funding. Maggie has met with politicians and taken leadership roles in school to bring awareness to this cause. She was recently featured in our local paper, This Week, for her efforts at school. T1D has taught Maggie to make lemonade from her lemons. She will continue to fight until there is a cure.

Please consider making a Fund A Cure donation in honor of Maggie and others living with T1D by clicking here.