For us, July 22, 2009 started off like any other care free summer day. Both of my daughters Regan (6), and Ava (4), were having a blast at a neighbor’s pool party. However, something just seemed off about Ava. She kept using the bathroom. Concerned, the next day we went to the pediatrician. The medical staff collected my daughter’s urine sample, assuring us that it was probably a bladder infection. After we were sent home I had a nagging feeling that something was wrong.

Then, the phone rang.

     It was three in the afternoon, and suddenly, time stood still. I will never forget that call. We were told that we needed to go to Children’s Hospital of Orange County immediately with a bag packed for three days. On that day, Ava’s world and our world as a family was changed forever. Ava had type 1 diabetes.

     We were quickly educated on this life long disease. We were told that there was no cure and that our 4-year-old daughter would have to prick her tiny fingers 6 to 8 times a day to check her blood sugar levels. She would also have to take insulin shots 3 times a day. This process would be a part of her daily life forever. It was just too much to absorb. As Ava slept in her hospital bed my husband and I cried.

     Diabetes is a very difficult disease to manage. When a person’s blood sugar runs high, it can cause damage to their body with numerous complications including blindness, damaged blood vessels, and kidney failure. If a diabetic’s blood sugar runs too low, it can cause them a seizure or even death. Each ounce of their food must be weighed and calculated for every meal and snack. Only 10% of diabetic patients have type 1 diabetes. People who are type 1 diabetics must take insulin to survive. Two years after Ava’s diagnosis we decided that we were ready to help find a cure for this relentless disease.

     We became involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). For the first time, we participated in the JDRF walk. It was such a positive experience. Ava felt like she wasn’t alone with her disease, and we successfully raised a lot of money for the cause.  I have made many connections through attending various JDRF conferences and luncheons. It is so nice to have the support of others around you that can relate to what you are going through. We are happy to be a part of the JDRF movement and will continue to support their research efforts for years to come.

Sincerely,
Amy Zaharek　(Ava’s mom)