Heather Rice is walking on September 26, 2009 in Utah County, UT

   

Heather Rice is walking with Madison's Marvelous Crew on September 26, 2009 in Utah County, UT.

Heather Rice's Image

Dear Friends and Family,

As some of you may know, our oldest daughter Madison was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January. This was overwhelming to realize that she will have this disease for the rest of her life, but Madison has made this adjustment very easy for all of us because she has been AMAZING! First, we had to spend 3 days in the hospital learning how to take care of her diabetes. She tests her blood sugar by pricking her finger 4 or 5 times a day. She has to have a shot before she eats anything. (The picture above represents how many shots Madison takes each month to stay alive). After only a week, Madison asked if she could do the shots all by herself. We were so impressed! Soon she will wear a pump that will give her a continuous infusion of insulin. Insulin allows her to stay alive, but it doesn't cure her diabetes or prevent its eventual and devastating effects: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations, heart attack, and stroke. (We try not to think about these long-term complications). We are thankful for the medical advances that make it easier for us to manage her diabetes, but we hope and pray for a cure during her lifetime.

We have decided to join the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Founded in 1970 by parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research worldwide. Yep, that's right, we're asking for money. :) One of the JDRF's largest fundraising events is the "Walk to Cure Diabetes". We have formed a walking team called Madison's Marvelous Crew and will be participating in this 5K walk at Scera Park on Saturday, September 26 at 9:30 am. We would like to ask for your support. If you are interested, there are two ways you can make a difference:

· You can join our walking team, known as Madison's Marvelous Crew, and collect pledges and walk with us. Please register at http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87374788
· You can make a tax-deductible donation by credit card online by going to http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87374788 or by sending a check made payable to JDRF to us at 1431 S 730 W, Payson, UT 84651 (we will deliver any donations made in Madison's honor the morning of the Walk).

Thanks to everyone for your support, love, and encouragement!

Sincerely,
The Rice Family
Chris, Heather, Madison, Katelyn, Levi, and Bridget




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Online Donations
Donor Name Date Comments
Wade Beckstead 09/25/2009 Best of luck to you and your family. -The Becksteads
Aaron Case 09/21/2009 Way to go Madison! We love you. The Virginia Case Family
Susan Davis 08/31/2009
Marie Driscoll 09/10/2009 Madison, I grew up with your mom, and I know that if you're anything like her you are an amazing girl!! I hope this small donation will help - I'm so impressed with what your mom shared about you in her email and wish you all the best. Love, Marie Driscoll
Benjamin Galbraith 09/01/2009 Good luck!
Mary Gunnell 10/19/2009 Congratulations, Madison, on raising so much for diabetes! We love you and we love your family!
Allan Henderson 09/21/2009 Good luck Heather in the Walk. We love you, Al & Ro Henderson
Jackie Hunsaker 09/04/2009 Good luck Madison!!!!! You are the BEST. Your friend, Jackie Hunsaker
Brent King 09/21/2009 Heather, We appreciate all you do for the company and know Madison couldn't have a better mother. We will remember her in our prayers. Please except our contribution as heart felt. And, if we had more to give, we would contribute more. Brent
Erica Ledesma 09/25/2009 We wish Marvelous Madison all the best and will pray for more advancements in treating this disease. Lots of love...
Anonymous 09/26/2009  
Anonymous 09/14/2009  
Taani Secrist 08/31/2009 We are thankful for families such as yours who are proactively making a difference in the lives of children with diabetes. Perhaps this donation will help bring you one step closer to a cure for Madison. Know that we will be cheering you on from SCORCHING HOT Phoenix. Our love and best wishes always- Ryan, Taani, Hattie, Neeley, and West Secrist
Jason Stewart 09/26/2009 You go Girl!!!!! You're the best Madison! We love you! Jason, Jennifer, Summer, Sydney, and Ty Stewart
Jennifer Stewart 08/31/2009 I love you Madison! Love, Aunt Jenny
Nancee Tegeder 10/29/2009 Congrats on all the money you've raised so far. What an amazing amount you've helped with towards research for a cure. Good luck as you learn how to deal with this new challenge in your life. You are a great example to many with your courage.
Jeffrey Thayne 09/21/2009 You are awesome Madison! Good luck. - The Thaynes
Carol Wilde 08/31/2009 Sorry I can't participate in the walk but hopefully this small donation will help.