T1D Mom's Story

WHAT THIS TOURNAMENT MEANS TO ME: A T1D MOM

 

Although Type 1 Diabetes runs in my family, I never thought it would impact one of my children.  In August 2016, my son (Connor) was diagnosed with T1D.  He was so healthy and active, and I could not understand how this was happening.

 

Since my brother is a T1D, I knew enough about T1D to understand that this is a lifelong condition with no cure.  Our family’s everyday life would change, and complications of the disease could have serious and possibly permanent consequences for Connor.  I could barely keep my emotions in check in the days immediately following the diagnosis.

 

After the initial shock wore off—for both Connor and me —we made sure he understood that he was/is not facing this disease alone.  T1D can be difficult and upsetting, and Connor found it challenging to discuss.  (Fact:  Nearly two dozen students at his local high school have T1D.)  Together, our family came up with a plan to help Connor manage this disease.  In his case, that means careful monitoring of his food intake, his athletic activities, and his health in general.  He now wears a glucose monitor and insulin pump, and takes the necessary steps to regulate his blood sugar.

 

I am grateful that Connor is actively managing this disease, and so proud of how he had adjusted to his new lifestyle.  However, in the back of my mind is the fact that this condition can be life-threatening, and it will never go away.  I struggle to come to terms with those realizations.

 

What keeps me positive is knowing that organizations like JDRF (the beneficiary of our event’s proceeds) are at the forefront of research and activism regarding T1D.  It is their ultimate hope—and mine, as well—that a cure will be found for this disease, which currently affects 1.25 million Americans of all ages.  In addition to research, JDRF’s outreach programs and informational website are a godsend to our family—and many others—who turn to them for support, assistance, and encouragement.

 

Today, Connor is doing well and is a member of the golf team at his high school.  This is the primary reason why we chose a golf event as our fundraiser.  Also, he is a part-time employee at Victoria National, which has generously opened their beautiful course for this cause.

 

For all supporters of this event, please know that I am grateful for your interest and your investment.  Having a child with T1D—or being diagnosed yourself at any age—is a wakeup call to the fragility of life.  Together, we can give hope and inspiration to all who have this diagnosis and help them face it with courage and perseverance. 

In much love and gratitude, Holly Boeke