On December 2, 2013, just two weeks before his 1^st birthday, we brought our son Kevin to the emergency room because we knew something was very wrong. It was there that we learned he was in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis, a symptom of type 1 diabetes that can be fatal. The next four days that Kevin spent in the hospital were the most difficult and emotional days of our lives. Kevin’s new “normal” life with T1D consists of three insulin shots a day and anywhere between five and ten finger pricks a day to check his glucose levels. One of the most challenging aspects is monitoring every gram of carbohydrates that he eats, and even more so, those that he doesn’t eat. Because he is so young and barely able to speak, we often are unaware when he is not feeling well from his diabetes. Our greatest concern is going to bed at night and worrying about his glucose level falling dangerously low.

Kevin is handling everything better than we could have ever expected. Despite T1D, he is a very normal and happy 15-month old boy that loves to run, laugh, and play. He also loves his books, toy trucks, saying the word “no,” and most of all playing with his big brother.

Since diabetes is still very new to our family, Breakthrough T1D has been enormously helpful. They provide guidance, resources, and empowering knowledge that enable us to take better care of Kevin. And we have met young, brave Youth Ambassadors who have given us hope for our son’s future. We cannot thank Breakthrough T1D enough for the services and hope they have provided us and our family. We are forever grateful.

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