Christopher/Emily Delvecchio is walking with Chrisosaurus Rex on October 19, 2008 in Pennsauken, NJ.
On July 25, 2004, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which means I will be insulin dependent for the rest of my life. I am required to constantly check my blood sugar by pricking my fingers at least 10 times a day and receive insulin via an insulin pump. The insulin pump is a device the size of a large beeper, which is attached to me 24/7 and requires a site change every 2-3 days. In addition, a tightly controlled diet and scheduled food intake is now part of my everyday life. But as you know, insulin is not a cure it is merely my life support.
You know that the most heart wrenching aspect of this disease isn't that even with tight control of my sugar levels, over time, I am still more likely to have heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and early death.
Nor is it that Diabetes is a constant balancing act between food intake, insulin delivery and physical activity and that low blood sugar can be just as damaging as high blood sugar.
And its not the fact I need this device connected to me all the time, or the supplies I need, or the fact that people simply DO NOT understand this disease.
No, the most heart wrenching aspect is that I am no longer the only member of my family with this disease. On June 24th, 2008, my little sister Emily was also diagnosed.
We could sit back and do nothing- or... WE CAN CONTINUE TO FIGHT
Researchers are getting closer than ever before and we believe that a cure is within reach. We hope it is found soon, but the research cannot be done without funding.
We decided to once again do more than just hope for a cure. On Sunday, October 19, 2008, our team, Chrisosaurus Rex will once again participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) Walk To Cure Diabetes. JDRF is the largest worldwide organization dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes. In addition, JDRF's donations rank highest among all charitable contributions, with 85% of its funds going directly to research.
Look under the thermometer to see what you can do to help us!
Thank you in advance for your support! Please check out our 2008 Walk Video.
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