Ellyana was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in February of 2009. She was barely 3 years old. We don’t know why God chose her but I believe He wouldn’t have done so if he didn’t think that she would be able to manage a life with diabetes.
From almost the first day that she was diagnosed, Ellyana has been the one to do the finger pokes, maybe because it was the only thing she could control. She truly has been a trooper with the entire process through diagnosis and her need for injections up to 3 times a day.
I found great support from JDRF right away. I remember calling and the Foundation put me in touch with another mom who called me and we chatted for an hour. The understanding of someone else helped me to cope, even though I am a critical care nurse, and have worked in the emergency department BC Children’s Hospital. It was my child now who needed care in the medical system.
The Walk to Cure Diabetes has become an annual event for us and Ellyana looks forward to this every single year. We have been so fortunate to have generous donors who support us yearly and we are all striving to find a cure for diabetes. The day is fun, encouraging and emotional all at the same time. We all gather together as supporters of a loved one. We gather to challenge diabetes & how it changes you. We gather to see her laugh with her new found friends and remember that we all have something in common, and something we can find a cure for.
Please join us at the 2012 TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes. Together we will find a cure!
Sincerely,
Jill Cottingham
Mom to Ellyana
and Family Committee Member for the 2012 Fraser Valley TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes
p.s. for more information, visit us at www/jdrf.ca/walk. Hope to see you soon!
